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16 Pages Price 20,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 39th year No.13373 Saturday APRIL 27, 2019 Ordibehesht 7, 1398 Sha’aban 21, 1440 World has seen No interest in Persian Saudi, UAE Shahrdari Varamin IRGC’s positive Gulf security if Iran overstate their crowned Asian Club measures 2 cannot sell oil 2 oil capacities 2 Volleyball champion 15

‘Iran’s share of One Belt, One Road “A Russian Youth” crowned initiative should rise’ TEHRAN — Iran’s share in the One Belt One Belt, One Road is very important One Road (OBOR) initiative should rise, for Iran, and Tehran has been accompany- given the country’s background and historic ing well with the initiative of the Chinese status in the Silk Road, Iranian Finance president, Dejpasand noted. best at Fajr filmfest and Economic Affairs Minister Farhad He went on to say that in line with the Dejpasand stressed. implementation of the One Belt, One Road Fajr ends with “A Russian Youth” as best film, criticism against U.S. sanctions on Iran The minister made the remarks in an projects, significant capacities and unique interview with IRNA in Beijing on the geographic features of Iran have led to a sidelines of the Second International One lot of benefits for the country within the See page 16 Belt, One Road Conference. framework of this engagement. 4 Iran-Russia security cooperation growing: Hatami TEHRAN — Iranian Defense Minister also said defense and military cooperation Brigadier General Amir Hatami said on between Iran and Russia has improved. Friday that defense and security coopera- “The two countries’ cooperation within tion between Iran and Russia is “growing”. the framework of the Astana talks to fight During a meeting with Russian Defense terrorism and stabilize Syria has played Minister Sergey Shoygu on the sidelines of an important role,” Shoygu said. the Moscow Security Conference, Hatami The Astana peace talks were launched said that the two countries have many on Jan. 23-24, 2017 with the aim of put- capacities to expand cooperation. Shoygu ting an end to the Syrian conflict. 2

Iranian scientists produce liquid- based cytology kit TEHRAN— Iranian scientists at Isfa- preparing samples for examination in cyto- han Science and Technology Town have pathology. The sample is collected, normally succeeded in domestic production of by a small brush, in the same way as for a liquid-based cytology kit used in cervi- conventional smear test, but rather than cal cancer screening, ISNA news agency the smear being transferred directly to a reported on Wednesday. microscope slide, the sample is deposited Cervical screening has been shown to into a small bottle of preservative liquid. At reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, the laboratory the liquid is treated to remove

Fars/ Mohsen Atai Fars/ but only in the setting of well organized, other elements such as mucus before a layer high quality programmes. of cells is placed on a slide. The technique Russian cinematographer Ayrat Yamilov (2nd L) receives the award for best film on behalf of “A Russian Youth” director Alexander Zolotukhin on April 25, 2019. Liquid-based cytology is a method of allows more accurate results. 11 PERSPECTIVE Western MSM aiding U.S. efforts to legitimize U.S.-Libyan warlord Haftar ARTICLE Hanif Ghaffari Maryam Qarehgozlou for political resolution of differences with the rique in an interview in January that Libya was Political analyst By Alireza Hashemi Head of the Tehran Times Libyan government and launched an assault on not “ripe for democracy”. TEHRAN — The world was taken by surprise Social Desk this Friday after news broke out that U.S. Pres- Tripoli on April 4 to discuss efforts to restore Haftar launched his operation during the UN ident Donald Trump had held a phone call with “peace and stability” to the country! Secretary General Antonio Guterres’s visit to Tripoli, London has the Libyan renegade commander Khalifa Hafter Moreover, in his phone call, Trump “recognized and less than two weeks before a planned con- Too precious to lose: four days earlier. Field Marshal Haftar’s significant role in fighting ference to pave the way for democratic elections no political The conversation itself was even more shock- terrorism and securing Libya’s oil resources, and in the country. The call, signaling the U.S. was What brought back ing, as a White House statement said Trump had the two discussed a shared vision for Libya’s throwing his weight behind the Libyan general, independence! called Haftar to “discuss ongoing counterterrorism transition to a stable, democratic political system.” was interpreted by some observers as an apparent Lake Urmia to life? efforts to achieve peace and stability in Libya”. Interestingly, Trump shares his vision for reversal of the U.S. policy on the country, taking K’s support for anti-Iran policies To many people’s surprise, the U.S. president Libyan democracy with a former Libyan general into account strange remarks by U.S. Secretary of ubsequent to heavy rainfalls in has led to hatred and anger called the warlord who ignored numerous calls who has openly declared is no fan of democracy. State Mike Pompeo earlier this month calling for the country, many long-lost wet- Uof Iran from London. Britain Haftar had told the French magazine Jeune Af- a halt to Haftar’s offensive. 13 S lands and lakes were restored, has not only done little to maintain a among which Lake Urmia “the turquoise nuclear deal with Iran, but also fully solitaire of Azarbaijan” was the most agrees with the anti-Iranian policies of Chinese illustrator Xiong Liang eager to work with Iranian writers conspicuous. the Tramp government in Washington. Shared between West Azarbaijan By Samaneh Aboutalebi international events and I think the quality of China’s pavilion in the book fair. On 5 march 1945, after the end of and East Azarbaijan provinces in TEHRAN — Renowned Chinese writer and the works are superb.” “I use Chinese painting techniques to create World War II, British Prime Minis- northwestern Iran, Lake Urmia, was illustrator Xiong Liang has said that he is eager There is an attitude common to Iranian and my works, which are modern,” he said and added, ter Winston Churchill delivered his once the largest salt-water lake in the to work with Iranian writers and publishers. Chinese illustrations that they represent their “I am inspired by old Chinese paintings and even controversial speech at Westminster Middle East. It was a home to many Speaking to the Tehran Times on Wednesday traditional elements in their works in a modern Buddha statues, but the final result is a modern University. There he mentioned: migratory and indigenous animals during a visit to the 32nd Tehran International way, said Liang who is visiting Iran for the first artwork,” he said. “From Stettin in the Baltic to Tri- including flamingos, pelicans, egrets Book Fair, which currently hosts China as a special time. Liang, who is also known as Kim Xiong, started este in the Adriatic, an iron curtain and ducks and attracted hundreds of guest at Imam Khomeini Mosalla, Liang said, “I An exhibition of illustrations by Liang and his career during the 1990s. His works have been has descended across the Continent. tourists every year who had bathed have seen Iranian illustrators’ works in several several other Chinese artists is underway at published in over 50 books. 16 Behind that line lie all the capitals in the water to take advantage of the of the ancient states of Central and therapeutic properties of the lake. Eastern Europe. However, decades of long-standing Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, drought spells and elevated hot summer Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Riyadh regime had U.S. green light for mass executions: Ansarullah temperatures that speed up evaporation Sofia, all these famous cities and TEHRAN— Yemen’s Houthi Ansarullah move- killing and suppression of people with an iron fist from America, the Saudi regime would not as well as increased water demands in the populations around them lie in ment has strongly condemned Saudi Arabia over is a criminal approach long being exercised by have dared to commit such crimes,” Ansarullah agriculture sector shrank the lake drasti- what I must call the Soviet sphere, beheading 37 of its nationals, stressing the Ri- the Saudi regime, adding that the ruling family pointed out. cally. In 1999 the volume of water which and all are subject in one form or yadh regime had the U.S. carte blanche for the in Riyadh has resorted to such a practice in a bid The Yemeni movement then called upon was at 30 billion cubic meters drastically another, not only to Soviet influence “heinous” mass executions. to cling to power, Press TV reported. all freedom-loving people around the world to decreased to half a billion cubic meters in but to a very high and, in many cases, The political bureau of the movement, in a “The history of the Saudi regime is awash reject Saudi Arabia’s repressive and aggressive 2013. Moreover, the lake surface area of increasing measure of control from statement, said the sentences were carried out with criminality. Brutal crimes being committed policies, and to criminalize the Riyadh regime’s 5,000 square kilometers in 1997 shrunk Moscow… The United States stands because the individuals had committed no sin by the Saudi regime against its own nationals suppression of its own people as well as its to one tenth of that to 500 square kilo- at this time at the pinnacle of world other than reject Al Saud’s injustice and tyranny. and other nations are a proof for its downfall ongoing atrocious military onslaught against meters in 2013. power. It is a solemn moment for the The statement highlighted that the policy of and moral bankruptcy ... Without support Yemen. 3 Kiumars Daneshjoo, CEO of West American Democracy…This means Azarbaijan regional water company a special relationship between the said on Wednesday that the volume of British Commonwealth and Empire water in the Lake Urmia has increased and the United States.” to 4.1 billion cubic meters which shows Today, almost 74 years has passed Funeral a 2-fold increase compared to the same since that famous speech. It has to be period last year. said that over the past seven decades, procession Moreover, Daneshjoo added that the members of both Conservative and volume of water has risen by about 3 billion Labor parties in Britain have been com- held for fallen cubic meters compared to the beginning mitted to Churchill’s recommendation. of the current water year (September 23, In this apparent equation, the UK has 2018). become a dependent variable to the soldier He went on to highlight that the United States, and analyzes any action, lake’s catchment area has received some A massive funeral procession was held on move or reaction in the international 479 millimeters of precipitations since Friday in Tehran for a soldier, Majid Qor- system based on its relationship with the start of the current water year in- bankhani, martyred in January 2016 while Washington. This rule also applies dicating a 61-percent rise compared fighting terrorists in Syria. to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of to last year. Qorbankhani was a “defender of the shrine” Action (JCPOA). He noted that some 1.5 billion water

Shahab Ghayoumi whose body was discovered and returned to Of course, decoding the measures was released from the dams to enter the the country just recently. of English officials is not so com- lake since September 23 reporting that Defender of the shrine is a term used in plicated! British authorities have the lake’s surface area reached roughly Iran as a general reference to those who are preferred to help the White House 3,000 square kilometers. The lake’s surface martyred in Syria and Iraq in the war against at this period, and not to leave their area has increased 677 square kilometers terrorist groups such as Daesh, al-Nusra Front traditional partner amid the war Tehran Times/ compared to the same period last year, and some other shadowy groups. against the JCPOA. 13 he added. 12 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS APRIL 27, 2019 MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS World has seen Zarif: No interest in Persian Gulf IRGC’s positive measures: security if Iran cannot sell oil cleric Iran has a ‘Ph.D. in sanctions busting,’ says Zarif POLITICS TEHRAN – Ayatollah Mohammad Emami deskKashani, a Tehran Friday prayer leader, says POLITICS President Donald Trump the security of the Persian Gulf.” the world has witnessed “positive measures” by the Iranian armed deskwill not succeed in forcing Added Zarif, “Our red line is that we have forces, including the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). Iran to capitulate to U.S. economic pressure to be able to provide for our people.” Addressing worshipers, Emami Kashani said Iran’s armed because Tehran has a “Ph.D. in sanctions bust- Asked about the fate of Iranian-Americans forces merely defend Islam, the nation and the country. ing,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said and other dual nationals imprisoned in Iran, “The U.S. has declared the Guards as terrorist but we should on Thursday, according to NBC News. Zarif said he remains open to negotiating an see who the terrorist is,” he said. “The terrorist is in America Speaking to reporters during a visit to exchange of detainees held in both countries and their measures.” New York, Iran’s top diplomat also said his but that Washington has yet to respond to He also said terrorism is incompatible with teachings of country would not seek a confrontation with his offer. He said he first made the offer six Islam and that Daesh (ISIL) terror group was created by the U.S. the United States or try to cut off the Strait of months ago. Hormuz unless Washington imposes a total “I’ve heard nothing from the administra- Saudi, UAE economic blockade. tion,” he said. President Donald Trump “believes that Zarif cited a letter Iran had received from overstate their the maximum pressure policy will bring Iran the U.S. special presidential envoy for hostage to its knees,” Zarif said. “Iran will not accept affairs, Robert O’Brien, that demanded the oil capacities: pressure.” release of Americans held in Iran. Zarif said his country had decades of experi- “Do you know what that letter said? He oil minister ence evading U.S. economic sanctions and that said, ‘Please release them.’ He didn’t offer any- POLITICS TEHRAN – Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar it would manage to survive this latest round thing,” he said. “They cannot expect unilateral deskZanganeh said on Friday that Saudi Arabia and of pressure. “We have a Ph.D. in sanctions concessions.” the United Arab Emirates overstate their oil capacities, IRNA reported. busting,” he said. Zarif also said he did not think President The comments were in reaction to expectations the two coun- Iran had managed so far to meet the needs Trump was seeking a war with Iran, but that tries would fill any supply gap caused by a tightening of U.S. oil of its population and has continued to sell oil, shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz “If the United States decides or attempts to other members of the administration were sanctions on Iran. Zarif said, though he admitted the sanctions despite the growing tensions with the U.S., but disrupt that by preventing us from using our seeking to topple the Iranian government, The U.S. behavior and its oil sanctions against Iran are not a had inflicted economic damage and caused said that could change if Washington managed own waters to advance our national economic including National Security Adviser John Bolton. bluff, but these are signs of Washington’s “very violent hostility pain for Iranian citizens. to completely shut down the country’s economy. interests, then it’s changing the entire balance “Ambassador Bolton has another agenda,” toward the Iranian nation,” Zanganeh stated. The Trump administration’s policy amounts “We do not want to take any escalatory steps. and the entire equation,” he said. he said. “The U.S. behavior and oil sanctions are not a bluff, but to bullying other governments, he said, pre- This is our intention. The Strait of Hormuz “If Iran cannot sell oil, if Iran cannot import Zarif flew to New York after blaming U.S. (the result of) very violent hostility toward the Iranian nation,” dicting that some countries would not give in and the Persian Gulf are our lifeline,” he said. what it wants, then we will have no interest in financial sanctions for restricting the flow of Zanganeh was quoted by IRNA as saying. to the pressure, citing public criticism of the aid to victims of large-scale flooding that has sanctions by Turkey. “If the United States decides or attempts killed dozens and inundated towns across a 1.3 tons of Zarif’s comments came days after the wide swath of Iran. The Iranian Red Crescent Trump administration announced it would to disrupt that by preventing us from using said U.S. sanctions have prevented it from re- synthetic end waivers that allowed several countries to our own waters to advance our national ceiving donations from abroad. import Iranian oil, vowing to reduce Tehran’s The floods have affected 25 of 31 provinces drug seized in oil exports to “zero.” economic interests, then it’s changing the and Iranian officials say at least 76 people have southeast Iran Zarif said Iran would not retaliate or dispute entire balance and the entire equation.” been killed in the deluge. POLITICS TEHRAN — An Intelligence Ministry deskofficial in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan announced on Thursday that the largest Iran-Russia security cooperation growing: Hatami ever amount of synthetic drug shisheh (crystal methamphet- amine), has been seized in Iran. 1 ‘Iran attaches no value to Trump’s ism in the region but the U.S. seeks to weaken its status. “Following a series of complicated operations and collecting illegal behaviors’ Trump labeled the IRGC as terrorist organization on information, the department succeeded to seize 1,300 kilo- During a meeting with Serbian Defense Minister April 8. It was the first time that the United States branded grams of narcotics, including more than 850 kilograms of the Aleksandar Vulin on Thursday, Hatami said that Iran a country’s military terrorist. addictive synthetic drug, shisheh,” IRNA reported, quoting attaches no value to illegal behaviors of U.S. President Vulin said that Serbia will not let any country interfere the unnamed intelligence officer as saying. Donald Trump, criticizing the U.S. move in designating in its strategic policies. The drug consignment was seized after the intelligence the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist He noted that Serbia has close ties with Iran. department forces and border guards clashed with an armed organization. Hatami also held a separate meeting with Uzbek De- group of smugglers, entering Iranian soil via Afghanistan, the He said the IRGC is in the frontline of fighting terror- fense Minister Bakhodir Kurbanov. news agency said. Two of the armed smugglers were killed, several injured or captured along with a significant amount of weapons and ammunition, the official maintained. Tehran says won’t let EU, Japan reiterate support Based on the United Nations reports, Afghanistan ranks first as the producer of opium and Heroin in the world. Iran, others replace its oil for nuclear deal being Afghanistan’s neighbor, has always been the main route for smuggling narcotics to the Western world. POLITICS TEHRAN – Tehran By staff and agency desksays it will not allow The European Union (EU) and Japan on any country to replace its oil sales in Thursday reiterated their joint support for Putin says will the global market, warning the Unit- the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the ed States and its regional allies of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). meet Rouhani, ramifications of their decision to halt “We reiterate our joint support for the Aliyev in August Iranian oil exports. Iran/Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action,” Earlier this week, the U.S announced said a statement issued after the 26th sum- that it is not extending any waivers mit between the EU and Japan in Brussels, POLITICS Russian President Vladimir Putin said on exempting importers of Iranian oil according to Xinhua. deskFriday he will meet with Azerbaijani President from U.S. sanctions and there will be port of Iranian oil will be fruitless. The U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally policy chief Federica Mogherini, French For- Ilham Aliyev and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at a summit no grace period for those economies Leader also warned that the enemies’ pulled Washington out of the 2015 nuclear eign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, German in Russia in August, Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty reported. to comply. hostile policies will not go unanswered deal in May 2018 and ordered reimposition Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and British Putin made the announcement to journalists in Beijing after “The Iranian government and nation because the Iranian nation would not of sanctions against Iran. The first round of Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said meeting with Aliyev on the sidelines of China’s Belt and Road will never forget the enmity of certain stand idle in the face of plots. sanctions went into force on August 6 and INSTEX will support legitimate European forum – an initiative aimed at building trade and transporta- countries in such historical period,” Elsewhere in his statement, Mousa- the second round, which targets Iran’s oil trade with Iran. tion infrastructure that links China with South and Central Asia, Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas vi pointed to Saudi Arabia’s mass exports and banks, were snapped back on Japan has repeatedly expressed support Europe, and Africa. Mousavi said in a statement on Thursday. execution of 37 people in a single November 4. for keeping the JCPOA. “We agreed to hold another Russian-Azerbaijani-Iranian Mousavi condemned Saudi Arabia day, saying such “insane acts” are Also, on Monday the U.S. announced Japanese Ambassador to the Vien- summit in Russia in August,” Putin said. and Bahrain for welcoming sanctions on reminiscent of the jahiliyyah (ig- that Washington has decided not to extend na-based international organizations Putin last met together with Aliyev and Rohani at a summit Iran’s oil exports, saying such support norance) of the dark era before the waivers allowing major importers to con- Mitsuru Kitano tweeted in May, “At the in Tehran in November 2017. comes from their “blind obedience” to advent of Islam. tinue buying oil from Iran when they expire @iaeaorg Board of Governors meeting, I the U.S. government. “Saudi Arabia commits such acts in in early May. made a statement on Iran’s nuclear issues. In remarks on Wednesday, Leader order to incite sedition in the region while On January 31, France, Germany and “Japan continues to firmly support the Iraqi PM: We’ll of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali enjoying the support of the U.S. govern- Britain announced the creation of INSTEX, a JCPOA, as it strengthens the international Khamenei said Tehran will be exporting ment, and regional countries need to be special purpose vehicle aimed at facilitating non-proliferation regime and contributes deploy all our any amount of crude it wants, asserting vigilant against the dire consequences legitimate trade between European economic to the peace and stability of the Middle efforts to ease that U.S. attempts to zero out the ex- of such acts,” he added. operators and Iran. European Union foreign East region.” U.S.-Iran tension POLITICS TEHRAN – Iraqi Prime Minister Adel deskAbdul Mahdi has said his country will Iran says ready for prisoner exchange with U.S. make every effort to ease the tension between Iran and the POLITICS TEHRAN — Foreign Ministry spokes- during an interview in New York on Wednesday that Iran is the U.S. or those arrested in other countries at Washington’s United States. deskman Abbas Mousavi said on Thursday that ready to swap prisoners with the U.S. request with a number of American criminals in Iran.” “We have good relations with both, with Americans and Iran is prepared to take action in line with swapping prisoners “I put this offer on the table publicly now. [Let’s] Exchange He made the remarks in reaction to UK Foreign Secretary with Iranians, and we are going to deploy all our efforts to with the U.S. them”, Zarif said. “If they tell you anything else, they are lying,” Jeremy Hunt, who had assumed Zarif’s suggestion of a pris- ease and calm down the situation,” Al Jazeera on Thursday Mousavi said the Foreign Ministry is prepared to free Amer- he added. oner swap also includes Iranian-British dual citizen, Nazanin quoted Abdul Mahdi as saying. ican prisoners who have been jailed by the Iranian Judiciary Mousavi said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran’s proposal is Zaghari, who is jailed in Tehran for espionage. “It is not in the interest of any of the parties engaged, in exchange for release of the Iranians who have been jailed in clear and needs no interpretation if the U.S. regime has the will.” In his interview on Wednesday, Zarif just said she feels not the United States, not Iran, not Iraq, not the region as the U.S. on “delusional” charges of violating sanctions. According to Press TV, Mousavi said, “What the Iranian foreign sorry for Nazanin Zaghari and her child and that he has done a whole,” the prime minister remarked. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said minister raised in New York just concerns Iranian prisoners in his “best to help” her. Moscow condemns U.S. Iran marks the 1980 Tabas Desert when U.S. was humiliated POLITICS TEHRAN — Iran on Wednesday, President Rouhani pointed presidential election. oil sanctions deskThursday has marked the to Washington’s repeated failures against Iran commemorates the event every on Iran 39th anniversary of a failed U.S. military Iran over the past four decades, saying the year as a symbol of the failure of U.S. plots operation to free its embassy staff held in “historic U.S. failure” in Tabas was a “divine against the Islamic Republic. POLITICS TEHRAN – Russia has reiterated its oppo- Tehran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. miracle.” During the takeover of the embassy, desk sition to the U.S. for tightening oil sanctions The military operation, which proved a “The Tabas incident was a great miracle documents were discovered that proved against Iran, saying that the United States is trying to complicate fiasco for Washington, took place on April from God” which led to the failure of the some of the American embassy staff had the internal situation in Iran. 25, 1980, when Jimmy Carter ruling the Americans’ “complicated military plot,” he been working with U.S. intelligence agencies, Speaking at a weekly press conference on Friday, Russian United States. said, Press TV reported. meaning they were spies. Some 52 Americans Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, “U.S. A sandstorm hit and brought down the “Every day over the past 40 years, they were held in Tehran for 444 days, but later actions cover all aspects of Iran’s domestic politics and its ac- group of U.S. military aircraft in the Tabas (U.S. officials) have been hatching a new released unharmed. tivities internationally.” Desert, killing eight American servicemen plot against the Iranian people, but they In its newest brazen plot against Iran, “We consider the U.S. decision not to extend the exemption and resulting in the failure of the mission. The units involved in the operation were have always failed and will fail again,” he the United States has designated the IRGC of the eight countries from purchasing Iran’s oil as part of the Inspections showed a helicopter crashed from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy and stressed. branch of the Iranian military as a terrorist U.S. global strategy against Iran and condemn it,” IRNA quoted into a C-130 Hercules transport plane as five Marine Corps. Many believe the military failure played organization and threatened to zero out Zakharova as saying. other choppers were stranded in the storm. Speaking during a cabinet meeting on a major role in Carter’s defeat in the 1980 Iran’s oil exports. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 27, 2019 INTERNATIONAL U.S.-led forces killed 1,600 civilians in Biden launches 2020 bid, Syria’s Raqqah in 2017 warns soul of U.S. at stake TEHRAN — Former U.S. Vice Pres- TEHRAN — Amnesty International and Kurdish militants recaptured Raqqah ident Joe Biden formally joined the another high-profile war monitoring group in October 2017 with the help of U.S. air- crowded Democratic presidential say the U.S.-led coalition allegedly fighting strikes, which left the once sprawling city contest, declaring the “soul of this the Takfiri terror group of Daesh (ISIL) has totally destroyed. nation” at stake if President Donald remarkably understated the deaths its cam- The wholesale strike against Raqqah re- Trump wins re-election. paign caused among civilians in the northern portedly took the coalition’s disregard for In a video posted on Twitter, Syrian city of Raqqah in 2017, saying the massive destruction to a new level. Reuters Biden focused on the 2017 deadly coalition killed more than 1,600 civilians reporters stationed in the city during and clash between white supremacists during its assault on the city. after the offensive said that the bombardment and counterprotesters in Charlottes- The coalition waged a no-holds-barred had caused massive destruction in the city, ville, Virginia. Biden noted Trump’s assault against the city in 2017 under the laying waste to entire districts. comments that there were some “very pretext of dislodging the terrorists, who In October 2017, the Russian Defense fine people” on both sides of the violent encounter, which left had named the city as their so-called head- Ministry spokesman said the U.S. had wiped one woman dead. quarters. the Syrian city “off the face of the earth” with “We are in the battle for the soul of this nation,” Biden said. According to Press TV< Amnesty and carpet bombing in the same way the Unit- “If we give Donald Trump eight years in the White House, he Airwars, a London-based group set up in ed States and Britain bombed Germany’s will forever and fundamentally alter the character of this nation 2014 to monitor the impact of the U.S.-led Dresden in 1945. who we are. And I cannot stand by and watch that happen.” campaign, said the onslaught had killed “Raqqah has inherited the fate of According to AP, the 76-year-old Biden becomes an instant more than 1,600 civilians, 10 times the toll Dresden in 1945, wiped off the face of front-runner alongside Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is acknowledged by the coalition. the earth by Anglo-American bombard- leading many polls and has proved to be a successful fundrais- The groups said they spent 18 months directly caused more than 1,600 civilian deaths nism to effectively and promptly investigate ments,” Major General Igor Konashenkov er. Biden has legislative and international experience that is researching civilian deaths, including two in Raqqah,” the report said. reports of civilian harm, including violations said back then. unmatched in the Democratic field, and he is among the best- months on the ground in Raqqah. Amnesty International and Airwars called of international humanitarian law, and make Damascus has repeatedly denounced known faces in U.S. politics. “Our conclusive finding after all this is on the coalition to acknowledge the scope of the findings public.” the coalition for its illegal presence in the As an older white man with occasionally centrist views, Biden that the U.S.-led coalition’s military offensive the reported civilian casualties and “to put Daesh seized Raqqah in early 2014 during country, suspected its true intention, and has to prove he’s not out of step with his party. He’s yet to out- (involving the U.S., UK, and French forces) in place an independent, impartial mecha- its advance through Syria and Iraq. condemned its disregard for civilian lives. line his positions on the issues defining the 2020 Democratic primary, most notably “Medicare for All,” the universal health care plan authored by Sanders that has been adopted by virtually U.S. acted in ‘bad faith’ in Vietnam talks: Settlers storm Aqsa as Israel imposes the entire Democratic field. Kim restrictions TEHRAN — North Korean leader Kim TEHRAN — Hundreds of extremist set- Jong-un says the U.S. acted in “bad faith” tlers have stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque More than 7,000 Syrians quit in Vietnam when President Donald compound in the occupied Old City of East Trump and his team held talks with Jerusalem al-Quds amid an escalation of camp near Jordan border: UN him in Hanoi. violence by Israeli forces and settlers against Kim told Russian President Vladimir Palestinian people. TEHRAN — More than 7,000 people have left a desperate de- Putin during their first-ever meeting on Palestinian sources, requesting not to sert camp for displaced Syrians near the Jordanian border since Thursday in Vladivostok that the situation be named, said more than 320 Israeli set- March, a United Nations spokesperson said Friday. on the Korean peninsula has reached a tlers entered the site through the Moroccan According to the UN’s humanitarian coordination office OCHA, “critical point”, warning that peace and Gate under tight protection of several groups around 36,000 people remained in the isolated Rukban camp security on the Korean peninsula will en- Kim as saying. of Israeli soldiers and special police forces. repeatedly warned of Israeli attempts to near Al-Tanf base used by the U.S.-led coalition fighting Daesh tirely depend on the future US attitude, Just a week ago, Pyongyang demanded The sources added that the settlers change the status quo of the al-Aqsa Mosque (ISIL), after over 4,000 left between March and April 21. state media reported the removal of US Secretary of State Mike toured the compound and performed compound. Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third The Syrian government and key backer Russia said in Feb- “The situation on the Korean peninsula Pompeo from the stalled nuclear talks, ac- prayers on the fifth day of the Jewish holiest site in Islam. ruary they had opened corridors out of the camp, calling on and the region is now at a standstill and cusing him of derailing the process. week-long Passover holiday. The occupied Palestinian territories residents to leave. has reached a critical point,” the Korean Trump and Kim met for the first time at The sources further noted that Israeli have witnessed new tensions ever since “Since March, over 7,300 people have left Rukban,” OCHA Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted Kim a historic summit in Singapore in June last forces had erected checkpoints along streets U.S. President Donald Trump announced his spokesperson David Swanson told AFP, including some 3,000 as saying. year, when they agreed to “work toward” and alleyways around the al-Aqsa Mosque decision on December 6, 2017 to recognize who left after April 21. The situation “may return to its original denuclearization. compound. The movement of locals was also Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel’s capital and Those who have quit the camp have moved to collective shelters state as the US took a unilateral attitude The two also held a second summit in blocked off with iron barriers and sandbags. relocate the U.S. embassy in Israel from in the central city of Homs or resettled in their areas of origin in in bad faith at the recent second DPRK- Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, in February, which In addition, Israeli troops searched Mus- Tel Aviv to the occupied city. the province of the same name, OCHA said Thursday. US summit talks,” he warned, Press TV failed after Trump walked away from the lim worshipers and checked their identity On December 21, 2017, the United Na- It said Rukban residents were organizing their own trans- reported. summit, claiming that Kim had insisted cards before allowing them to enter the site. tions General Assembly overwhelmingly portation to the edge of a de-escalation zone established around “Peace and security on the Korean penin- on the removal of all sanctions on North The al-Aqsa Mosque compound sits just voted in favor of a resolution that calls on Al-Tanf, from where they either continued in their vehicles or sula will entirely depend on the U.S. future Korea in return. Pyongyang rejected that above the Western Wall plaza and houses both the U.S. to withdraw its controversial rec- were transferred by private or government-provided vehicles attitude, and the DPRK will gird itself for account, stressing that it had only asked the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa mosque. ognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israeli to four collective shelters in Homs city. every possible situation,” KCNA quoted for a partial lifting of the bans. According to Press TV, Palestinians have “capital.” U.S. isolated as world leaders open Silk Road summit in China After delays, Afghan president inaugurates new TEHRAN — Nearly 40 world leaders and scores of finance President Putin called for a global response against pro- officials are gathered in Beijing to build a new platform for tectionism, unilateral sanctions and “trade wars” in veiled Parliament international trade and counter U.S. unilateralism and pro- criticisms of the United States. tectionist policies. “The rise of protectionism in its most dangerous form, TEHRAN—President Ashraf Ghani has inaugurated the country’s Dubbed as the Belt and Road (BRI) initiative, they aim to which at the present time is often used illegitimately as uni- new parliament almost six months after elections were held and reinvent the ancient Silk Road to connect Asia to Europe lateral restrictions to bypass the UN Security Council, or following long delays, claims of voter fraud, unresolved disputes and Africa through massive investments in maritime, road worst of all, trade wars,” he said. and political bickering. and rail projects. “We think that only when we are united can we counter Ghani spoke at the ceremony Friday in Kabul, which brought Some 5,000 delegates are attending the three-day forum, such acute challenges amidst a global economic slowdown together both the lower, legislative, 249-seat chamber and the with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime and gaps between countries in terms of well-being and tech- appointed, 104-member upper house, AP reported. Minister Giuseppe Conte, whose country became the first nology,” Putin added. He expressed regret over the delays and the fact that 33 seats G7 member to sign up to BRI, among the headliners. The Russian leader whom Chinese President Xi Jinping for lawmakers from the districts in central Kabul province were The United States has not dispatched any officials, dis- referred to as “my closest friend” in a speech at the ceremo- empty because the election commission still has not announced missing BRI as a “vanity project” and rebuking Rome for ny, was conferred an honorary doctorate degree from the They are alarmed -- all the more so because BRI is more than 10 times the size of the Marshall Plan. results for those districts. participating in the scheme. Chinese premier’s alma mater. Ghani blamed what he said was the “inefficiency of former However, traditional U.S. allies such as the UK, France, Ger- BRI offers to bring much-needed modern infrastructure The West is worried that the expansion of BRI will lead to the emergence of alternative models of governance that election commission members” who have since been replaced. many and Spain have sent ministers to the summit amid to developing countries and China’s spending has increased The October election day was marred by bombings and attacks reports of European frustration with Washington’s trade its footprint around the world. will challenge Western liberalism around the world. In his keynote speech at the opening of the forum, Presi- on polling stations across the country that killed 27 civilians practices. British Finance Minister Philip Hammond told the Beijing has not said exactly how much money will be and 11 policemen. summit on Friday his country is committed to help realize the needed in total, but some independent estimates suggest dent Xi stressed that his global infrastructure project “is not BRI potential, offering Britain’s expertise in project financing. it will run into several trillion dollars. an exclusive club”, in a dig at the United States. “The Belt and Road Initiative has tremendous potential The United States fears that China aspires to replace it at He called on countries participating in the initiative to to spread prosperity and sustainable development, touching the center of the world order and the decision by Italy and promote a global partnership for connectivity to achieve as it does, potentially 70 percent of the world’s population, Luxembourg to join BRI has raised alarm bells in Wash- common development and prosperity. Yemeni combat drone a project of truly epic ambition,” he said. ington which sees Beijing’s influence now extending to the China is a partner and a competitor at the same time and German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said major EU’s core. To U.S. leaders, BRI is on par with the Marshall the EU must define its interests, Altmaier said. targets Saudi mercenaries’ European Union countries want to sign a memorandum of Plan that established the American supremacy through an “And for that we need an industry strategy. For that we understanding on the BRI initiative as a group. economic blueprint to rebuild post-World War II Europe. need our own connectivity strategy,” he added. command center in Aden

TEHRAN—Yemeni army soldiers, backed by allied fighters from Popular Committees, have launched an airstrike against a com- Sri Lanka on high alert as police hunt 140 ISIL members mand center of Saudi-sponsored militiamen loyal to Yemen’s TEHRAN— President Maithripala Sirisena involved with the terror group since 2013. group known as the Nations Thawahid Jaman Sri Lanka’s own police chief had also former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, in the country’s says the country’s police and security forces Almost 10,000 soldiers were being deployed (NTJ) for the attacks, has so far detained at warned of a security threat against churches southern province of Aden. are looking for more than 100 individuals across the Southeast Asian country to carry least 76 people. The NTJ has yet to claim re- and the Indian high commission in Colombo A Yemeni military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, with links to the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group. out searches and provide security for religious sponsibility for the bombings. Instead, Daesh 10 days before the attacks. said Yemeni soldiers and their allies attacked the military site The country remains on high alert in centers, the military said on Friday. has released footage of eight men whom it said The questionable performance has prompt- in the al-Burayqah district of the province on Thursday, using the aftermath of a string of bombings that Sri Lanka and the world were shocked had carried out the attacks that five days ago. ed Sirisena to ask the police chief and the a domestically-designed and -manufactured Qasef K2 (Striker claimed the lives of more than 250 people on Easter Sunday after eight apparently The response of Sri Lanka’s security ap- defense secretary to resign. On Tuesday, he K2) combat drone, Press TV reported. on the Easter Sunday. coordinated blasts hit churches and luxury paratus to the attacks was quickly questioned pledged to “completely restructure the police Later in the day, Yemeni troopers and fighters from Popular Sirisena said Friday that police were look- hotels in the capital, Colombo, and the cities after reports stated earlier this week that intelli- and security forces in the coming weeks.” Committees carried out an ambush against vehicles carrying ing for no less than 140 Daesh sympathizers, of Negombo and Batticaloa. gence officials had been alerted about potential The civil war ended in 2009 with an es- Saudi-paid militiamen on the outskirts of al-Sadis area in Saudi adding some Sri Lankan youths had been The government, which has blamed a small bombings weeks before the attacks on Sunday. timated 100,000 deaths. Arabia’s southern border region of Najran, killing or injuring those on board. An unnamed Yemeni military official also said Yemeni troops and their allies had managed to purge a number of Saudi mer- cenaries’ positions east of al-Nar Mountain in the kingdom’s Riyadh regime had U.S. green light for mass executions: Ansarullah Jizan region. 1 The Arabic-language Saudi daily newspaper Okaz, cit- The statement added that the executions took place in the saying they mark an alarming escalation in Saudi Arabia’s The official noted that several Saudi-sponsored militiamen ing a statement issued by the interior ministry, reported that capital Riyadh, the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina, use of the death penalty. were killed or wounded in the process. the executions were implemented Tuesday “on a number the central province of Qassim, oil-rich and Shia-popu- It added that among those put to death was a young Shia Saudi Arabia and a number of its regional allies launched a of culprits for adopting extremist terrorist ideologies and lated Eastern province and the kingdom’s southern prov- man, identified as Abdulkareem al-Hawaj, who was convicted devastating campaign against Yemen in March 2015, with the goal forming terrorist cells to corrupt and disrupt security as well ince of Asir. of offenses related to his involvement in anti-regime protests of bringing the government of Hadi back to power and crushing as spread chaos and provoke sectarian strife.” Amnesty International later censured the mass executions, that took place while he was under the age of 16. Houthi Ansarullah movement. II NN TT EE RR NN AA TT II OO NN AA LL DD AA II LL YY 44 ADVERTISEMENTSECONOMY APRILAPRIL 27,27, 20192019

STOCK MARKET Mining projects TEDPIX 203776.9 IFX 2493.35 worth $3b to be Sources: tse.ir, Ifb.ir

CURRENCIES inaugurated in a year USD 42,000 rials ECONOMY TEHRAN — Projects jobs and 25,300 indirect jobs, IRNA reported. EUR 46,861 rials deskworth $3 billion are The deputy industry and mining minister planned to be inaugurated in Iran’s min- also said that the projects were implemented GBP 54,203 rials ing sector in the current Iranian calendar through cooperation of private sector. year (began on March 21, 2019), IRIB quoted As previously announced by the Public AED 11,437 rials Iranian Mines and Mining Industries De- Relations Department of IMIDRO, the organi- Source: cbi.ir velopment and Renovation Organization zation intends to renovate 5,000 economic (IMIDRO) Managing Director Khodadad units using 100 trillion rials (about $2.38 Gharibpour as saying. billion) of investment during the current The official has previously announced Iranian calendar year. and foreign trade activities, facilitate inter- industries’ exports stood at $9.226 billion COMMODITIES that projects worth $2.17 billion have been As well as renovating economic units, national trade, improve competitiveness, in the past year. put into operation in this sector during the reviving small mines and expansion of ex- and make exported goods variable in the IMIDRO data indicate that the steel Brent $72.25/b past Iranian calendar year. ploitation activities stand among the top current year. products account for the lion’s share of the WTI $64.14/b He said 20 projects implemented by IMI- priorities of IMIDRO in this year. As the organization announced on Tues- exports from this sector in the past year, DRO in the previous year created 4,440 direct IMIDRO also plans to ease its domestic day, the value of Iran’s minerals and mining with the value of $4.1 billion. OPEC Basket $73.43/b Gold $1,281.50/oz Silver $15.05/oz ‘Iran-Germany trade not ‘U.S. new approach toward Iran not Platinium $892.45/oz to be affected by U.S. threat’ to impact Chabahar project’ Sources: oilprice.com, Moneymetals.com ECONOMY TEHRAN — Co- ECONOMY TEHRAN — The U.S. deskchairman of Iran- desknew decision to end waiv- Germany Chamber of Commerce ers for purchase of crude oil from Iran will Michael Tockuss described trade ties not impact the Chabahar port project being ‘Iran’s share of One Belt, One between Iran and Germany as long- developed by India, a U.S. State Department lasting saying that U.S. threats can- official has told PTI news agency. Road initiative should rise’ not affect two countries’ ties, IRNA U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo an- 1 The Second International One Belt, One Road Confer- reported. nounced an end to the waivers which allowed ence is held in Beijing from April 25 to 27. “On one hand we have the public imports from the Middle Eastern powerhouse, The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as the One reaction from public media and on the “Practically INSTEX is just on the saying Washington’s aim was to bring Iran’s from Iran for six months. Belt One Road (OBOR) or the Silk Road Economic Belt and other hand we have the long-lasting way. I know that people are working crude exports to zero, Press TV reported. By retracting its oil exemptions, the Trump the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road is a development strategy trade relationship between many me- intensively to get it on stream but it “The exception for reconstruction assistance administration is encroaching on the energy adopted by the Chinese govern- dium-sized German companies and has practical impact at the moment,” and economic development for Afghanistan, security of India and other clients of Iranian ment involving infrastructure Iran,” Tockuss told IRNA. he noted. which includes the development and operation crude. development and investments in He added “This relationship could He went on to say that “INSTEX of Chabahar Port, is a separate exception, and India started its commercial activities in 152 countries and international be expanded but we need more sup- now is a totally new instrument for is not affected by yesterday’s announcement,” Chabahar within the framework of a trilateral organizations in Europe, Asia, port from our government and from the European countries and they have the unnamed spokesperson told Press Trust deal which also includes Afghanistan in January. Middle East, Latin America and the Iranian government.” to develop it and I know that the key of India Tuesday. The port provides the easiest access to the Africa. Elaborating on the impact of the people in INSTEX are working on it President Donald Trump’s “South Asia high seas to landlocked Central Asian countries “Belt” refers to the over- Instrument in Support of Trade Ex- but I don’t see that now these efforts strategy underscores our ongoing support of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, land routes for road and rail changes (INSTEX) on Iran-Germany of the United States will affect INSTEX of Afghanistan’s development as well as our Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. transportation, called “the Silk trade, he said “INSTEX is something because this is not related to it.” close partnership with India,” the spokesper- Chabahar on the coast of the Gulf of Oman Road Economic Belt”; whereas that we should not undervalue. INSTEX “We have a lot of companies that son added. is Iran’s southernmost city. The port is easily “road” refers to the sea routes, is a very strong political signal and the ask for INSTEX and that want to start India is Iran’s second largest oil importer. In accessible from India’s west coast and New or the 21st Century Maritime fact that the European countries act it immediately, he said adding “now we November, the Trump administration granted Delhi hopes to utilize its transit potentials Silk Road. in clear opposition toward the efforts are in close contact with the Iranian India an exemption from U.S. sanctions to to embolden the country’s connectivity The Chinese government of the United States is a value itself.” banks in Hamburg.” import an average of 300,000 barrels per day footprints. calls the initiative “a bid to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter future”. Some observers see it as a push for Chinese dominance in global affairs with a China-centered trading network. Investors may IME suitable platform of be doubting economic prosperity By Haniyeh Sadat Jafariyeh effectiveness of TEHRAN (MNA) — Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has named the current Persian Year, 1398, as the ‘Year ECB policy: Rehn of Boosting Domestic Production’, calling on all officials to make the IN THE NAME OF GOD issue of production the pivot of their activities. Investors may be doubting the effectiveness of First Announcement “If production is boosted, it can solve livelihood problems, it can the European Central Bank’s monetary policy ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN BROADCASTING ensure the country’s independence from foreigners and from the en- measures in boosting inflation, Reuters reported emies, it can eliminate unemployment and it can solve the problems quoting ECB rate-setter Olli Rehn as saying on related to the decrease in the value of the national currency to a great Friday. extent,” the Leader said in his message on the occasion of the start of Rehn, seen as a potential successor to ECB INTERNATIONAL TENDER NO. 98-02/102 the new year on March 21, 2019. President Mario Draghi, emphasised the need Tender Holder: The issue comes of the highest importance than before, due to to continue providing stimulus to the economy Trump’s decision about cutting all waivers of Iranian oil which will and joined a growing number of policymakers in ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN BROADCASTING (IRIB) dramatically decrease oil-reliant country’s oil revenues. expressing scepticism about giving banks relief from a charge on their idle cash. The need for an indigenous economy and boosting production is Subject of Two-Stage Tender: more highlighted, now. The Finnish central bank governor said stub- Production prosperity is the fuel for the economy engine to run. It bornly low inflation expectations may not only IRIB 9DAY Infrastructure Equipment for Project of SD to HD according to the tender documents entails growth, job creation, improving the nation’s livelihood as well as reflect years of low price growth but also inves- combating recession, inflation and unemployment. It increases non-oil tors’ misgivings about the ECB’s own policy. exports of the country and will consequently boost foreign exchange “Firstly, long-lasting slow inflation may have Deadline of Receiving Documents: revenues; having more foreign exchange income, injected back to do- lowered inflation expectations durably, and even As of publishing second announcement of advertisement latest by the business hour dated on Wednesday mestic financial system, will have domestic production enhanced and so that they are easily moving downwards,” Rehn May 01, 2019. the formed loop will go on and on. Protecting domestic production will said as he presented his central bank’s annual also lure foreign and domestic investments and improve the available report. infrastructure, which will result in scientific and industrial growth and “Secondly, markets may find that monetary Place of Receiving Documents: policy measures are not, under the current again boost in production. Any improvement in Gross domestic product Secretariat of Tenders’ Commission, Technical Purchasing (KALA) Dept., Media Technology and (GDP) will consequently reinforce Iran’s depreciated currency, rial, circumstances, effective enough to accelerate and competitiveness of its products at international markets. Thus, inflation.” Development Deputy Office, Bldg. No. 2, IRIB, Jam-e Jam St., Vali-e Asr Ave., Tehran lubricating the production wheel, Iran can compete with foreign rivals. He also cited the perception that the ECB The initial key factor to reach a booming economy is supporting would sooner tolerate missing than exceeding its production units and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) price growth target of just under 2 percent - an Type and Amount of Guarantee for Participating in Tender: which ignite prosperity of other production sectors. interpretation that Draghi himself was at pains The amount of USD 25,346 which should be in the form of extendable bank guarantee While, injecting liquidity and supplying working capital via granting to deny in his last news conference. banking facilities is the dire need of production units in Iran, opening The ECB has said since March that it will keep their way to stock market, where they can offer their manufactured interest rates at record lows at least until the Time and Place of Delivering Priced Bid: products, is the other element that can help production units and end of this year, but Rehn said in an interview The sealed A, B & C packages/envelopes should be submitted within one main envelope marked with SMEs increase productivity, ability to create more jobs and play their published on Friday that some policymakers tender number no later than on and submitted to the Secretariat of role as they should in the economy cycle. would have preferred to extend that timeline 15 p.m. Saturday June 01, 2019 In Iran, mercantile offerings at domestic stock market are done at even farther. Commission of Tenders. Iran Mercantile Exchange (IME). Directly and without participation “Some of us were of the opinion that the low of middlemen, domestic products’ prices are set via the contribution interest rate policy could have been pursued of sellers and purchasers, i.e. demand and supply, the mechanism even a little longer,” Rehn told Finnish business Time and Place of Opening Envelopes that guarantees interests of the Iranian producers. daily Kauppalehti. The date of opening envelopes A&B is at 8:30 a.m. on Monday June 03, 2019 in the office of Vice “In this situation of economic uncertainty IME redirects the profits of selling the products and the earned President of IRIB Planning and Financial Resources and opening of envelope C will be after technical added value to the real producers, which is an important factor in set- and weaker growth, there are reasons to pursue ting proper cushions for economic prosperity. Cutting the hands of the a very stimulating monetary policy,” he added. evaluation. middlemen and their minions, IME has the ability to cool down the He added the ECB would be in a better posi- It should be noted that bidders should hold license from the authorized bodies. inflated prices and bring tranquility and transparency to the market. tion to assess the economic outlook and “make The significant role of transparency in economic activities should the necessary decisions” at its next meeting on not be compromised on the way to boost domestic production. In June 5. For more information, please contact the following phone numbers: 0098-21-22166313 a bid to impede rents and corruption and spur transparency and But the former European commissioner poured It is obvious that cost of publishing two advertisements shall be borne by the winner of tender. competitiveness among production units it seems efficient to offer cold water on the option currently being studied their products at mercantile exchange market. Transparency acts as a by ECB staff of a tiered rate on deposits, which Public Relations Dept. of IRIB proper bed for creation of the circle of income, saving, and investment, would give banks an exemption from paying a since it lets producers easily earn, save or invest in development and charge on part of their idle cash. infrastructure projects. The conditions, similar to which cannot be “I’m not very convinced of the effectiveness provided by unofficial markets. of this tool (a tiered interest rate) on the basis of 13 current knowledge,” he told a news conference. ADVERTISEMENTS

I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 27, 2019 ENERGYAPRIL 27, 2019 5 ADVERTISEMENT 5

‘U.S. sanctions doesn’t affect China’s March Iran oil imports rise 6% from a month ago Iraq’s energy ties with Iran’ ENERGY TEHRAN — China’s imports of Iranian crude deskoil increased by six percent from the previous By Ebrahim Fallahi Wednesday that “Iraq now imports about 28 million cubic feet of gas from Iran month, Reuters reported on Thursday citing customs data. TEHRAN – Deputy prime minister of which feed a number of power stations China, the world’s largest oil importer, took in 2.3 million Iraq for energy affairs said the U.S. deci- that produce about 2,800 MW.” tons, or about 541,100 barrels per day (bpd) of crude from Iran sion on ending waivers on Iran sanctions The official further noted that his coun- in March, data from the General Administration of Customs does not affect Iraq’s energy ties with try plans to increase its gas imports from showed, up from the 509,700 bpd imported in February. Iran since the country does not import Iran to 35 million cubic feet per day as of oil from Iran, IRNA reported on Friday. early June in order to increase electricity Thamer Ghadhban, who is also the production to 3,500 MW. country’s oil minister, made the remarks The spokesman also said that the Iraq in a joint press conference with Execu- ministry is going to supply 18,000 MW tive Director of the International Energy during hot summer as its main aim, adding Agency Fatih Birol in Baghdad. that Iran will continue to export 1,200 “Iraq is an exporter of crude oil to other MW per day to Iraq as before. countries and therefore is not subject to He further pointed out that Iran and the new decision of the U.S. president” Iraq use their local currencies to carry the official said. out the contract payments. The oil minister said on Thursday that The United States on Monday demand- although his country had the capacity to ed that buyers of Iranian oil stop purchases increase its oil production to six million by May 1 or face sanctions, ending six Iranian imports rose just ahead of this week’s decision by the barrels per day (bpd) if necessary, but it months of waivers which allowed Iran’s United States to end waivers on sanctions over Iranian oil exports. is committed to OPEC-led output cuts eight biggest buyers, most of them in Asia, China is Iran’s largest oil buyer, with total imports last year and would not take unilateral action to to continue importing limited volumes. averaging 585,400 bpd. boost supply. The White House said after its Iran According to a report by S&P Global Platts, oil exports from Iraq’s electricity ministry has also move it was working with Saudi Arabia Iran have increased significantly in March to once again reach announced that despite the recent deci- and the United Arab Emirates to ensure to near pre-sanctions level. sion by Donald Trump to end sanctions to import gas from Iran. spokesman of Iraqi Ministry of Electricity oil markets were “adequately supplied” Iranian crude and condensate exports increased by 12 percent exemptions on Iran oil, Iraq will continue As reported by Mehr news agency, the Musab Al-Mpdares told a talk show on but traders worried about tight supplies. to 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd) in the mentioned month. As expected, the surges in Iran’s oil exports came after the country’s Asian buyers rushed to use the opportunity that the waivers on U.S. sanctions has provided. Persian Gulf Star refinery Ending waivers won’t stop According to Platts, China’s demand for Iranian crude has also rebounded in recent months. Flows to China averaged 627,710 to produce sweet naphtha Iran oil exports: official bpd last month from levels of 571,464 bpd in February.

Oil dips but set for milestone run of weekly gains

Oil prices dipped on Friday on expectations that OPEC will raise output to counter shrinking exports from Iran after sanctions imposed by the United States, where crude stocks have swelled. Prices are still on course though for the longest run of week- ly gains in years, as oil markets have tightened amid an OPEC output cut deal, sanctions on Venezuela and Iran and unsteady production in Libya, Reuters reported. Brent crude futures were at $74.24 per barrel at 0829 GMT, down 11 cents. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $64.96 per barrel, down 25 cents. The dip followed Brent’s rise above $75 per barrel for the first ENERGY TEHRAN – Since the operation in early January. ENERGY TEHRAN – Iran's will create restrictions for Iran econom- time this year on Thursday after Germany, Poland and Slovakia deskbeginning of the current The output of the refinery’s 3rd phase deskpresidemtial chief of ically, but what they are truly seeking is suspended imports of Russian oil via a major pipeline, citing Iranian calendar year (March 21), Persian stands at 12-15 million liters per day and staff said the U.S. decision on ending psychological pressure,” he said. poor quality. Gulf Star refinery will only produce sweet the total output is currently 45 million liters the waivers on Iran sanctions is not going The United States on Monday an- The move cut parts of Europe off from a major supply route. naphtha, “Since Farvardin (First month in the per day. to stop the country’s oil exports. nounced that buyers of Iranian oil should Russia has said it planned to start supplying clean oil via a pipe- Iranian calendar), all the PGSR sour naphtha Persian Gulf Star Refinery in the southern “The Islamic Republic of Iran will un- stop purchases by May 1 or face sanc- line on April 29. output will be converted to sweet naphtha.” province of Hormozgan is the first of its kind doubtedly sell its oil and our oil revenue tions, a move to choke off Tehran’s oil WTI is on track for its eighth successive weekly gain, the longest Shana quoted Mohammad-Ali Dadvar the designed based on gas condensate feedstock and exports will continue.” Shana quoted revenues. weekly run since the first half of 2015. Brent is set a fifth weekly managing director of the refinery as saying. received from South Pars gas field which Mahmoud Vaezi as saying on Wednesday. The Trump administration on Mon- price gain, the longest stretch in a year. Dadvar also noted that the fourth phase Iran shares with Qatar in the Persian Gulf. The official denounced U.S. action day said it will not renew exemptions Crude futures are up around 40 percent so far this year. of the refinery is going to be focused on ca- Construction of the refinery started in to end sanctions waivers for Iran’s oil granted last year to buyers of Iranian oil. Washington said on Monday it would end all exemptions for pacity optimization and fault elimination 2006, but the project was delayed as the importers, saying “They are primarily The United States reimposed sanc- sanctions against Iran. of existing phases. result of some mismanagement and also fishing for a massive propaganda and tions in November on exports of Iranian “The end of the U.S. waivers on Iran exports will be offset by According to the official, the significant financial limitation due to the West-led psychological warfare against the Ira- oil after U.S. Donald Trump last spring higher core-OPEC and Russia and as a result we do not expect increase in the refining capacity of the first sanctions against Iran. nian nation. I have no doubt that, like unilaterally pulled out of a 2015 accord further price upside, even if volatility is likely to increase in coming three phases of the refinery has been the Persian Gulf Star, the Middle East’s larg- other conspiracies, what they have just between Iran and six world powers. months,” U.S. bank Goldman Sachs said. main reason for this decision. est processing facility for gas condensate, is announced will also bring solidarity and Eight economies, including China and Despite U.S. efforts to drive Iranian oil exports down to zero, The third phase of Persian Gulf Star Re- planned to play a big role to turn Iran into unity in the country more than ever.” India and South Korea, were granted many analysts expect some oil to still seep out of the country. finery (PGSR), in south of Iran, was put into an exporter of gasoline. “It’s natural that this American action waivers for six months. “400,000 to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude and con- densate will continue to be exported,” said energy consultancy FGE, down from around 1 million bpd currently. Jefferies bank saw 500,000 to 600,000 bpd, adding “at least Tullow Oil cuts production forecast after problems at Ghana fields China and potentially India and Turkey will continue to import Iranian crude”. Tullow Oil, the Africa-focused independent oil com- to 90,000-98,000 barrels of oil per day compared to which still has net debt of $3bn, went through a tough China, the world’s biggest buyer of Iranian oil, has formally pany, has cut its production forecast for this year after a February estimate of 93,000-101,000 barrels a day. restructuring in the years following the oil price crisis complained to the United States. experiencing “technical issues” at its fields off the coast Production across the company in the first quarter of of 2014, including a rights issue in 2017. However, the Meanwhile OPEC member Iraq said it could raise its output. of Ghana. the year averaged 84,600 barrels/day which the company company recently marked a significant turning point Also providing a cap on prices, U.S. crude inventories last According to a report by Financial Times, the Lon- admitted was “below expectations”, although current when it announced it would resume dividend payments week rose to their highest since October 2017. don-listed company said problems with gas compression production has improved to 95,000 barrels/day and is to shareholders. “All of this had the makings for a bout of rally fatigue. Indeed, at its Jubilee asset and a delay in completing a production expected to rise to 100,000 barrels/day as additional It earlier this year recommended a final dividend of the energy complex is once again struggling for traction this well at its TEN field had now been resolved but it has been wells in Ghana are expected to come on stream. 4.8c per share, costing a total of $67m and has promised morning as market players await for a fresh catalyst to take prices 1398.479 First Announcement forced to revised down its full year production guidance Like many other independent oil groups Tullow, a pay-out of “no less” than $100m a year in future. higher,” PVM analysts said in a note. N.I.S.O.C Second Announcement Permit No.1398.479 Oil price surge contorts Asia’s LNG markets Asia’s liquefied natural gas market is being at the moment, while the spot price is just as they were not allowed to talk about the NATIONAL IRANIAN SOUTH OILFIELDS COMPANY distorted as the cost of LNG bought under above $5 per mmBtu. specifics of contracts in public. N.I.S.O.C AHVAZ-IRAN long-term contracts linked to oil prices jumps Measured by a single cargo on a large DQTs are standard provisions allowing NATIONAL IRANIAN SOUTH OILFIELDS COMPANY AHVAZ-IRAN to double spot gas cargoes amid tighter U.S. LNG tanker, an oil-linked delivery currently buyers to purchase less LNG than their full TENDER NO. : 31-32-86306-44-002 sanctions on Iran’s crude exports and cuts costs as much as $120 million, while the annual contract quantity, without incurring TENDER NO. : 31-32-86306-44-002 in OPEC oil supply. same product delivered into the spot market penalties. NationalNational Iranian Iranian South South Oilfields Oilfields Company(NISOC) Company(NISOC) intends to purchase intends the to followingpurchase goods the following goods According to Reuters, the price gap be- could be available for around $60 million. Saul Kavonic, head of energy research tween LNG traded in the spot market and “(The wide price spread) is a good ex- for Australia at Credit Suisse, said the gap term cargoes linked to benchmark Brent ample of the risks that are emerging as the in term and spot prices could pressure gas Material Description crude oil has stretched to its widest in about LNG market becomes more globalized and buyers to try to renegotiate contracts with 8 years, driving some buyers locked in to commoditized,” Feer said, adding that pricing producers. UPGRADING "CLARKE" DJ-160 POWER TURBINE TO DJ-160 RU term deals to try to delay shipments or look had become increasingly diversified. He also said that LNG from U.S. projects, to adjust contracts. Oil-linked term cargoes make up around which is mostly priced off the U.S. gas mar- Vendors who intend to participate in aforesaid tenders are requested to send their “intention To Partici- تهران تایمز : نوبت اول 4/2/98 نوبت دوم That comes as record supplies of LNG two-thirds of supply in Asia, the world’s top ket, could become more attractive versus 98/2/7 keep spot prices low, while prices under term LNG-consuming region. Long-term LNG other suppliers such as Australia or Qatar, pate” letter via fax to the following number along with their resume according to Qualitative Assessment Form no. 2, available at: WWW.nisoc.ir , not later than 14 days after the second announcement, otherwise, contracts rise in tandem with oil. contracts are typically linked to oil prices as which mainly sell under an oil price formula. their requests for participation in the tender will be disregarded. Brent this week hit highs so far for 2019 there are no uniform global prices for gas. “The current high oil price environment The applicants should have relevant background in supplying the required goods and capability to provide after Washington stepped up sanctions “Right now, buyers who have crude ex- may make U.S. LNG appear relatively more on Tehran and as the Organization of the posure are paying up for LNG, while buyers attractive to buyers again when considering and submit a bid bond of 63,567 EURO or 2,996,000,000 RIAL, in favor of NISOC. Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) with gas-related or LNG-related exposure the next wave of project developments,” Tender documents including the materials thorough technical specifications and Qualitative Assessment continued to withhold crude supply to are benefiting,” Feer said. Kavonic said. Forms can be accessed via: WWW.nisoc.ir-material procurement management tab bolster markets. The price distortion is driving some buy- And analysts said the price gap would NO ADVANCE PAYMENT WILL BE PAID “Anyone buying on a Brent basis and ers in China and Japan to request delays in not disappear any time soon. selling on a (spot) basis, for example, is los- term cargoes, several industry sources told “Recent strong LNG production growth FOREIGN PURCHASING DEPARTMENT ing money in a big way,” said Jason Feer, Reuters, although they added that producers in 2018, continuing through the rest of 2019 Bldg. No. 104, Material Procurement Management Complex global head of business intelligence at Poten had so far resisted making large concessions. and 2020, means we are unlikely to see much Kouy-e-Fadaeian Islam (New Site), Ahvaz, Iran & Partners, an LNG tanker brokerage and Others are looking to utilize so-called correlation between oil and spot LNG prices Tel. No.: 061 341 23455 Fax No.: 061 3445 7437 consultancy. downward quantity tolerances (DQT) in in the short term,” said Wood Mackenzie’s Public Relations www.shana.ir www.nisoc.ir http://iets.mporg.ir تهران تایمز نوبت اول 4/2/97نوبت دوم Brent-indexed LNG costs around $10.50 their term contracts from LNG sellers, three Asia Pacific head of gas and LNG research 97/2/7 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) of the sources said, requesting anonymity Robert Sims.

ساعت: 17:00 امضاء صفحه آرا: ساعت: امضاء مسئول صفحه: ساعت: امضاء ادیتور: ساعت: امضاء سردبیر:

I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 INTERNATIONAL APRIL 27, 2019

S Africa, Iran to ‘weather Dictator: Media code the storm together’: amb. Khumalo for ‘Government we don’t like’ By Alan Macleod “terrifying crackdown” (National Review, 3/15/19)—language that is never used for FAIR - Let’s start with a quiz: Quick! Name US-backed dictatorships. some dictators! I’m willing to bet most of And it takes only a cursory glance at the you responded with just a few of the same headlines to see how Nicolas Maduro, “the names: Assad, Putin, Castro, Kim Jong-un, child butcher of Venezuela” (Washington Gaddafi, Maduro. This is not because they are Examiner, 2/21/19), is portrayed: the only dictators in the world (far from it), • “The Dictator of Venezuela Earns His or that all of them even necessarily qualify Title” (New York Times, 2/27/19) for the title, but precisely because these are • “Venezuela’s Dictator Maduro Survived the figures most constantly labeled as such a Tough Week, but His Problems Are About by our media. to Get Worse” (Miami Herald, 2/25/19) “Dictator” is a very powerful moniker • “Why Are Progressives More Focused on to give someone. There is a hard-to-define Disagreeing With Trump Than Countering but very important distinction between a a Dictator [Maduro]?” ( Washington Post, government with authoritarian tendencies 3/2/19) or a poor human rights record, on the one • “Newt Gingrich: Venezuela’s Dictator hand, and a full-blown dictatorship. The very Maduro Must Go—Even if the Military Has name implies that dictatorial governments to Intervene” (Fox News, 3/14/19) should, nay, must be resisted and overthrown, • “Maduro Really Didn’t Like Being Asked while the same action is not appropriate or if He’s a ‘Dictator’” (New York Post, 2/26/19) justifiable for the former. has held office in Cameroon since Gerald Ford 4/2/19) have refrained from describing him • “Gen. Jack Keane, Hans Humes on Ven- Democracy is a supposedly sacred ideal ezuela’s Socialist Dictator Maduro’s Potential By Marjohn Sheikhi was president. He recently won a seventh as a dictator, with the BBC (3/6/19) simply for Americans. Politicians and media tell us term in office that Foreign Policy (10/22/18) referring to him as a “reclusive president.” Exit” (Fox Business, 3/7/19) that the United States “stands for” democracy described as a “farce.” Cameroon has been Indeed, reading the Guardian’s coverage Is it truly a coincidence that these three TEHRAN (MNA) – South African embassy in Tehran celebrated and opposes dictatorships everywhere, one in the news of late, due to the government’s (4/1/19), one would have no idea he was not countries with elected leftist heads of state the country’s Freedom Day on Wed., during which Ambassador reason why the US must continue to involve human rights abuses pushing the country the epitome of a democrat. The New York are constantly labeled “dictatorships”? Bo- Khumalo stressed the two countries’ resolve to continue develop- itself diplomatically and militarily around to the brink of a civil war. Freedom House Times(3/12/19) also praised Bouteflika for livia is not even on Freedom House’s “not ing relations in the face of all existing challenges. the world. considers it to be one of the least free coun- “bringing back stability” to the North Afri- free” list—unlike Cameroon, Egypt, Algeria South Africa celebrates its national day on April 27, desig- However, Freedom House’s “Freedom tries in the world. can country, and “restoring the honor of the and Kazakhstan. Venezuela and Nicaragua nated as Freedom Day to mark the day in 1994 when the first in the World” studies find that 49 coun- However, when discussed at all, Biya was nation’s army.” As with Cameroon’s Biya, were recently added to it, despite the fact democratic election was held in the country and ushered in a tries—over a quarter of the world’s govern- presented matter-of-factly by the media, with- Bouteflika has never once been described that both countries’ latest elections were new era after a long period of colonialism and White minority ments—are “not free”, a designation they out the need to add call him a “dictator.” as a “dictator” in the last 20 years of Times endorsed internationally. domination, known as apartheid. use interchangeably with “dictatorships” on The New York Times (10/6/18) presented coverage. While there are some clear shortcom- To commemorate the 25th anniversary of their Freedom their website and their reports. Why then, him euphemistically as “one of the world’s Kazakhstan ings to Venezuela and Nicaragua’s political Day, the South African embassy in Tehran held a ceremony on do most politically savvy people not know longest-serving presidents.” From the cover- Another ruler propped up with US systems, the US-dominated Organization of Wednesday evening, with representatives and diplomats from the names of all these dictators? Why are age, readers would not know he is a dictator, military aid is Nursultan Nazarbayev. The American States observed the 2017 Nicara- a number of embassies in Tehran in attendance. they not household names, like Assad and even by Freedom House’s standards. In fact, 85-year-old, in power since 1989, recently- guan municipal elections and declared that The ceremony was opened by a speech by South African Am- co.? Is it because the United States provides going through fully 20 years of coverage in announced he would step down. It was “the popular will [was] expressed through bassador to Tehran, V. M. Khumalo, followed by a speech by military assistance (training, sales and aid) the Times, Biya was never once described as also revealed that Kazakhstan’s capital, the vote in the vast majority of Nicaragua’s assistant to Iranian Foreign Minister in African Affairs, Mehdi to three-quarters of them, as Rich Whitney’s a “dictator,” “despot,” “tyrant” or any other Astana, would berenamed Nursultan in municipalities.” (With 53 percent turnout, Agha-Jafari. The two then proceeded to cut a South African flag study (Truthout, 9/23/17) suggests? similar designation. his honor (not a common occurrence in the governing Sandinista party won in 135 out cake in honor of the country’s Freedom Day. How Free is Freedom House? When Biya was rebuked at all, the tone of democracies—with Washington, named for of 152 communities, with the Independent Addressing the attendees, Ambassador Khumalo said Freedom Defining and quantifying what does and the coverage was less condemnatory and more the winner of an election that involved ap- Liberal Party taking 12 of the remainder.) Day ushered in a new beginning of hope for a transformative does not constitute a dictatorship is a notori- muted criticism. Voice of America (2/14/19) proximately 1 percent of the population, Meanwhile, Venezuela’s 2018 elections future for all South Africans, as everyone for the first time in 25 ously tricky business, and Freedom House’s noted that Biya’s decision to remove presi- arguably not an exception). were endorsed by 150 international observ- years finally had the opportunity and freedom to exercise their strong conservative political bias makes its dential term limits (meaning he could rule Nazarbayev has a long history of cracking ers, including foreign ex-heads of state like democratic right to participate in the governance of the country. list and judgments all the more questionable. for life) led some “critics” to call the move down on freedom of speech, the press and Spain’s Jose Zapatero and Ecuador’s Rafael He thanked Iran for its contribution and support towards the For one, the “non-governmental” organiza- “authoritarian.” religion, and uses torture against his political Correa, with three international election ob- struggle for freedom in South Africa, noting the visits by former tion is actually overwhelmingly funded by Egypt opponents. Despite this, he was presented servation teams endorsing the result, despite President Mandela to Iran in 1992 and 1999. Washington, who employed Freedom House Gen. Abdel el-Sisi came to power in 2013 positively in the media, with the New York the fact that US media wrote them off as a “For the past 25 years, Iran has remained an important in 2006 to perform “clandestine activities”— in a military coup that overthrew the demo- Times (3/19/19) simply referring to him as sham (FAIR.org, 5/23/18). friend to South Africa. Through the Joint Commission of i.e., regime change operations—in Iran. cratically elected government of President the “longtime president of Kazakhstan.” The The same cannot be said for Kazakhstan, Cooperation our countries have expanded engagements in The man in charge of compiling the Mohamed Morsi. Sisi recently announced Associated Press (3/19/19) called him “the even by Freedom House, that notes that “none a number of sectors such as tourism, trade and investment, freedom list, used by Whitney and many his plan to rule until 2034—effectively in only leader that independent Kazakhstan has of the elections held in Kazakhstan since science and technology, arts and culture, health, education, others, admitted his methodology consisted perpetuity. ever known,” praising him for “maintaining independence have been considered ‘free to name a few,” he said. of “hunches and intuition.” And as many The New York Times’ article (2/14/19) stability.” Reuters (3/19/19) claimed he was and fair’ by credible international observ- The ambassador then expressed his country’s continued scholars have indicated, Freedom House also on the subject noted that this would “further a “widely popular” leader, with none of the ers.” Nursultan was declared to have won support to Iran, saying the two countries would “weather the has a long history of supporting US client entrench his authoritarian rule,” and even above using the “dictator” moniker. 98 percent of the vote in 2015. storm together.” He also noted the visit of Iranian President Rouhani to South Africa this year, maintaining that the visit would serve to further strengthen the existing bilateral relations and mutual support. He concluded his speech by offering condolences to the families of the victims of the recent floods that have affected at least 23 of the country’s 31 provinces since heavy downpours began on March 19. According to reports, the floods have taken the lives

A stand displaying South African products state dictatorships and attacking enemy noted he had jailed “tens of thousands” of The Washington Post editorial board Enemy states are covered far more and states such as Nicaragua; the ratings have a opponents, muzzled the internet and taken (3/29/19) published a glowing appraisal of far more harshly in US corporate media of at least 67 people and destroyed over 25,000 homes around strong conservative and pro-US ideological over the courts. Nevertheless, it stopped well his tenure. It presented him as a visionary than friendly ones. A search for Paul Biya the country, with Lorestan and Fars provinces having the highest bias. Nevertheless, its index is useful, as short of calling him a dictator. Indeed, it noted leader, an ex-steelworker “who led the former in the NYTimes.com database elicits 97 number of casualties. it is the most commonly cited source on that he enjoyed strong support from around Soviet republic out of the empire’s chaotic results, compared to 1,135 for Maduro, 713 The ambassador called on everyone to commit to the global the matter, and one can assume that it is the world, and was seen as a “bulwark against implosion,” claiming he brought Kazakhstan for Morales and 3,517 for Ortega, despite efforts to combat climate change and its devastating effects on not going out of its way to falsely label US Islamist militancy” in the region, endorsed into a peaceful, prosperous new era, while the fact that Biya has been in power as long the environment. allies as dictators. by the US and France. Other media outlets “building national identity” and stopping any as the other three combined. (Cameroon’s Also speaking at the ceremony was the assistant to Iranian When you look at the governments that followed this tendency. CNN (2/13/19) simply ethnic conflict. While noting that he “ruled population is 24 million, three-fourths the Foreign Minister in African Affairs, Mehdi Agha-Jafari, who Freedom House describes as dictatorships, described him as “current President Abdel as a strongman” and “would have been wiser size of Venezuela, more than twice as big highlighted the strong relations between Iran and South Africa, those that are also Official Enemies are fre- Fattah el-Sisi,” while NPR (2/14/19) likewise to view dissent and democracy with more as Bolivia and four times as populous as by noting the high number of political talks and exchange of quently described as such in corporate me- just referred to “Egyptian President Abdel- tolerance,” the editorial implied his repres- Nicaragua.) delegations and visits of high-ranking officials between the two dia—for example, Russia (Washington Post, Fattah el-Sissi.” sion was justified, concluding “he won’t be In a recent article (FAIR.org, 3/23/19), I sides, as well as the two countries’ cooperation in international 5/8/18), Cuba (USA Today, 2/26/19), Syria While accurately noting Sisi’s “unprec- soon forgotten” by his people. suggested that the term “moderate” or “cen- areas such as the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), human rights (New York Times, 3/2/19), Belarus (ABC, edented crackdown on dissent,” which im- Double Standards trist” has a tactical definition when used in and peace in the Middle East region. 3/5/19), North Korea (USA Today, 3/22/19) prisoned “tens of thousands of people,” the The double standard is highlighted by the media. It does not refer to any political After the South African general elections on May 8, Iran and and Venezuela (New York Times, 4/10/19). BBC’s report (2/15/19) labeled him neutrally the constant media references to enemy positions, but is used as a way of conveying South Africa will be planning for the 14th round of joint eco- Yet “our dictators”—that is, the “not free” as “president,” and only characterized his steps states as dictatorships, whether the label legitimacy. Thus anyone the media approve of nomic commission, as well as technical committee meetings, governments that Washington supports—are to rule virtually indefinitely as something is warranted or not. The Washington Post is, by definition, a moderate. FAIR (8/20/18) Agha-Jafari announced. rarely if ever labeled as dictatorships by the “opponents of the proposal describe” as “a (1/4/19) describes leftist Bolivian Presi- has also noted that a “regime,” in US media He also noted the state visit of President Rouhani to South establishment press. In fact, there is very further step towards authoritarianism.” Thus, dent Evo Morales as “wishing to become a usage, is simply a government that is at odds Africa in 2019. little coverage at all of those countries that its strongest criticism of Egypt is that it’s ac- Venezuela-style dictator,” while the Guard- with the US empire. “The Islamic Republic of Iran, as an independent state, remains are “behaving themselves” as far as the US cused of moving toward “authoritarianism”—a ian(12/3/18) carries warning of Bolivia be- The “dictator” label is also a powerful cue, resolute on its principal positions on promoting multilateralism, State Department is concerned. long way from being a full-fledged “dictator.” coming an “imminent ‘Venezuelan-Cuban- used by media to prime the reader to see a committing to JCPOA as a valid international document as long Let’s look at the press coverage of four of Algeria style’ dictatorship.” particular country or leader a certain way. as Iran’s interests are covered, benefiting from nuclear energy Freedom House’s “dictators” who receive US After he announced he intended to stand The leftist Sandinista government of Readers are invited to feel outraged at the for peaceful purposes and supporting the rights of the oppressed military aid, all of whom have been in the once again for president, massive protests Nicaragua is constantly called a “dictator- misdeeds of Assad, Putin or other anti-US head people of the world,” he said. news recently: Paul Biya of Cameroon, Abdel broke out all around Algeria against 82-year- ship” as well. The New York Times (8/2/18) of states, while authoritarian rulers that toe He further voiced confidence that the future of relations be- el-Sisi of Egypt, Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria old Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The uprising has published an opinion piece from a Nicara- the US line are ignored or even praised. The tween Iran and South Africa is “bright”, and the leaders of both and Kazakhstan’ s Nursultan Nazarbayev. been serious enough that he has promised to guan headlined “A Dictatorship Is Rising choice of whether to use a word like “dicta- countries are keen on developing cooperation despite the exist- Cameroon stand down. Despite coming to power fraudu- in My Country Again.” Many other outlets tor” frames a country in a way conducive to ing challenges and unlawful pressures, such as the imposition The 86-year-old Paul Biya, the longest lently and ruling with an iron fist for 20 years, describe him as a “dictator” (Economist, elite US interests, conveying legitimacy or of sanctions by the United States. serving non-royal head of state in the world, media outlets (e.g., CNN, 3/11/19; Reuters, 7/12/18; Time, 3/18/19) carrying out a the lack thereof in a single label. ساعت: امضاء صفحه آرا: ساعت: امضاء مسئول صفحه: ساعت: امضاء ادیتور:ADVERTISEMENTS ساعت: امضاء سردبیر:

II NN TT EE RR NN AA TT II OO NN AA LL DD AA II LL YY APRILAPRIL 27, 2019 ANALYSISADVERTISEMENT & INTERVIEW 7 Women have more powerful stories to tell, Indian director Praveen Morchhale says perature would drop to zero, and we had electricity improve women’s situation in the world? By Marjohn Sheikhi problems, as well as logistic problems. There I strongly believe that women are being dis- TEHRAN (MNA) – Indian director and script were no hotels, just very small guest houses, criminated against everywhere in the world, writer Praveen Morchhale, whose ‘Widow of but despite all this, we were all very happy while even in the most developed countries in Europe. Silence’ is competing at 37th FIFF in Tehran, making the film. Women still don’t have the kind of rights and believes that women have more powerful stories When we talk about Indian cinema, almost status that they rightfully deserve. I believe that to tell, and cinema can play a role to improve everyone just thinks about Bollywood, what with cinema has a strong role to play to bring these their situation in the world. how imposing and profitable the industry is. What issues forward, and that women have more pow- Indian director, script writer, and film pro- steered you away from that path and pushed you erful stories to tell; they have a more powerful ducer, Praveen Morchhale, is competing at the toward the independent cinema? What motivated emotional, social and rational attitude toward main competition section of the 37th Fajr Inter- you to take on such heavy subject matters, like everything rather than the men. They can have national Film Festival in Tehran with his latest the terrors of war and women’s plights? a very strong impact on the society, and through movie, ‘Widow of Silence’. Bollywood, as you know, is very commercial, cinema they can achieve it very fast. The film, which has recently snatched the and its basic parameters is how much money How was the audience feedback to your film Grand Jury prize for the ‘Best Feature’ at the they can make out of a story. If making more at Fajr? 17th annual Indian Film Festival of Los Ange- money means twisting the story or even diluting I received a very good feedback from my les, for its depiction of “a condition that most it, by putting in songs and dancing scenes that movie’s screening the other day. I believe that of the world doesn’t get to see”, is the story of serve no purpose but entertainment, they will the ‘half-widow’ phenomenon is very new to the a woman named Aasia (Shilpi Marwaha) who happily do it. For me, what matters is the human audience in Iran, because it is a very particular is a ‘half widow’ in the trouble-torn Kashmir. aspect of the cinema, which is universal and aspect in Kashmir only. ‘Half-widow’ refers to a woman whose husband, can be seen and understood by anyone in the At the same time, I think this human story like many other men in this Indian-controlled world. I wanted to tell the story as it is from a is easily felt by everyone around the world, re- region, was arrested and never returned. The neutral point of view; show what these women gardless of how particular the situation is. The movie, which, apart from the lead actress, uses are going through. And for that I had to be true movie was screened in Europe, America, Asia, non-professional local actors, shows Aasia’s to the story and the subject matter, rather than and I believe everywhere the impact was the struggles to obtain a death certificate for her creating something superficial. Bollywood may same. People have the same deep feeling and husband as she goes through her work and the touch the surface of any subject, but the real sympathy for the lead character. caring for her family. is well-organized here. The most important thing in spreading its influence throughout the world issue will be lost somewhere. I had people coming up to me after the screen- Mr. Morchhale was present at the FIFF ven- for any festival, though, is the selection of the due to its high quality and appeal. So, does that mean that you see yourself as a ing, whether in France or in South Korea or here ue in Charsou Cineplex in downtown Tehran, movies, and I believe that Fajr’s lineup is very How do you compare the Iranian cinema to filmmaker with a mission? The kind that feels the in Iran, telling me how much the film had made and he was gracious enough to give some of his high-standard. So, if you take these three fac- the contemporary cinema in India? need to uncover the hidden truths and bring to them think about the situation of the half-widows. time for an interview with Mehr News that will tors into consideration – audience, organization Discussing the Indian cinema, I believe, is attention what has been concealed or ignored? My kind of cinema is not too fond of words and follow. He was also accompanied by Iranian cin- and film selection – then you can say that Fajr a much wider topic, because Indian films are As a filmmaker, you have some responsibility. the language barrier. ematographer Mohammad Reza Jahan-panah, is perfect, and very special in comparison to made in many languages, such as Tamil, Telugu, Your cinema can be without a theme or a purpose, I prefer to show the situation by images rather who worked with him on ‘Widow of Silence’. other festivals. Malayalam, and there are many different film for entertainment only, or it can have some soul than by characters talking. This, I believe, helps The Indian director attaches great significance You are very knowledgeable about the Iranian industries, with Bollywood being only one part in it, something that makes the audience to think, the audience to feel like they are in the middle of to “the human aspect of the cinema, which is cinema, so my next question concerns that. Do of it. But as long as the independent cinema is and for me the latter is more important. I believe the story, experiencing the situation alongside universal and can be seen and understood by you, both as a filmmaker and a participant at concerned, I think the Iranian cinema is much that my cinema should leave an impact or a deep the characters. I take long shots, and use very anyone in the world.” various film festivals, believe that the Iranian ahead of its Indian counterpart, if you look at impression on the audience, make them think little dialogue and camera angles, in a minimalist festival participation. about the issue the narrative is talking about. approach, to help the audience engage more But in the past three or four years, the Indian You chose to work with an Iranian cine- closely with the images and feel like they are independent cinema has come a long way and matographer, Mohammad Reza Jahan-panah, right there in the story. made very fast progress. Now we have Indian on ‘Widow of Silence’. How was the experience? What kind of filmmaker do you consider films in important film festivals around the world, It was a wonderful experience. Mr. Jahan-pan- yourself? The kind that introduces a problem such as Venice, Cannes, Busan, etc. We have ah is very humble, very knowledgeable, and very and throws his characters into the conflict just different cultures, with different attitudes to thorough in his craft and art, and very aesthetic. to watch how they react, or the kind that also cinema, and different stories to tell, so I think The most important thing that makes working shows the characters, and by extension the audi- it won’t be fair to compare the Iranian and In- with him very enjoyable is that he is very down- ence who are sharing the experience, a way out? dian cinemas together. Each has its own unique to-earth, without the usual arrogance you see Some filmmakers may wish to put forward a identity, and both are flourishing. in the film industry. His creativity added a lot problem and leave the solution to the audience, Let’s talk about your movie, ‘Widow of Silence’, to my film, and gave it a very good flavor. He or some may wish to also provide the solution which is participating at both the International also made a lot of contribution to bringing my to that dilemma. When the film focuses on a Competition and ‘Olive Branches’ sections of vision into life. particular solution, it runs the risk of limiting this year’s Fajr festival. Tell me about how it I look forward to working with him on future itself to a particular point of view, which may came to be. projects. In a few months, probably, we will be be right or wrong. Around two years ago, I came upon a piece of shooting a new movie together. The story is again I personally try to steer away from making news about the situation of half-widows (whose centered in Kashmir, but it’s a very philosophical judgments, and leave it up to the audience to husbands have disappeared but are not yet de- film, about life and death within a social and decide what the right solution might be. On the clared dead) in India. It really hurt me and I was political community, from the point of view of other hand, when you provide the solution, there quite surprised, because I’ve lived all my life in a gravedigger. I hope the film will be a powerful is nothing left to provoke the audience to think India and I never knew about this issue. So, I representation about the situation in Kashmir, for themselves. started doing research on the topic. It is a very and that we will be able to commence the project How has your experience been in Tehran and ‘Widow of Silence’ directed by Praveen Morchhale human story, and sadly nobody knows about it. very soon. with your interactions with Iranians? Here are these women who are suffering, and Women are at the center of your movie, ‘Widow I’ve had a very nice experience in Tehran. of Silence’, as well as in several other films I had People are very friendly and knowledgeable here, How were you introduced to Fajr International cinema – with its recent remarkable popularity their struggles and strength should be brought Film Festival? around the world – is just a ‘festival-favorite’, to the world’s attention. So, I decided to make the opportunity to watch at this year’s festival. both the ones I interacted with at the festival Do you think cinema can do something to help venue and those outside. I came here in 2015 as a guest for the festival or do you think that the productions also have a movie about it. N.I.O.C National Iranian when it was still held together with the nation- what it takes to appeal to the taste of the general What were the challenges that you en- 1398.421 Drilling Company al event. Later in Kolkata, my film was chosen audience, for instance, those in India? countered along the way while making the by Mr. Esfandiari, who was a jury member in Nowadays, one can say with confidence that movie? First Announcement First Announcement Kolkata where I won Best Film award. He told geographical boundaries no longer matter. Most I don’t really think of any aspects of making Call for public tender (First/Second publish) me to submit the film to Fajr and he would be of independent, high-quality films produced ‘Widow of Silence’ as an actual challenge. Call forOne public -Stagestender (First/Second tender publish) happy to invite me. Beyond this introduction, around the world are accessible to everyone on The project was handled with great passion, N.I.O.C One -Stages tender Subject of Tender: P/F CIRCUMFERENTIAL ACOUSTIC SCANNING National Iranian I was also well aware of Fajr, since it is a very the digital platform and many other different and when you do something with passion Subject1398.421 of Tender: P/F CIRCUMFERENTIAL ACOUSTICTOOLS SCANNING VISUALIZATION TOOLS VISUALIZATION Drilling Company well-known film festival in Asia. mediums. In India, in particular, the Iranian and dedication, you don’t perceive any as- Tender descriptions: So, how does Fajr measure up to the other cinema is held in high regard. It is a very ‘hu- pect of the job as a challenge. Whatever is film festivals you have so far taken part in? Estimated man’ and attractive cinema. On the other hand, thrown at us, we face it happily and try to Registration No. through national electronic Tender No. The Tender holder value When comparing Fajr with other film festivals, it also depends on how you market your films. solve it. If you focus on the challenge, then tendering system /Indent No. one thing that immediately jumps to attention The independent cinema, for instance, needs a it starts to feel like a ‘burden’, and you most ((Rial/Euro)Rial/Euro) is the difference in the audience. Here in Iran, lot of money for a successful marketing, and in likely won’t be able to enjoy the process of Tender No.: FP/12-98/014 National Iranian Drilling Company 3,198,319 4,027,400,000 the festival goers are very knowledgeable about many cases, the filmmaker does not have that producing the film. Indent No.: 0808-23-9745067-23-9745067 cinema, and I believe they have a deep under- kind of money to publicize the film. But still, I But there were physical challenges about standing of cinema. Other than that, everything think the Iranian cinema has been successful the area where we filmed. At night, the tem-  Qualitative evalevaluationuation of tenderers

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I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 27, 2019 SCIENCE 9 Scientists create largest collection of coral Astronomers just detected reef maps ever made the universe is expanding Scientists have offered a new way to accu- ly-trained scientific divers. Using this new much faster than it should be rately map coral reefs using a combination model, scientists can create detailed coral of Earth-orbiting satellites and field ob- reef habitat maps at a regional scale without servations. This first-ever global coral reef having to survey the entire reef in person. atlas contains maps of over 65,000 square “Satellite, aircraft, and drone imaging will kilometers (25,097 square miles) of coral become an increasingly important tool for reefs and surrounding habitats. addressing the coral reef crisis at the global The maps, published in the journal Coral scale at which it’s occurring.” said Purkis, Reefs, are the result of a 10-year Global Reef also the interim chief scientist for the Living Expedition by scientists for the Khaled bin Oceans Foundation. Sultan Living Oceans Foundation. The coral reef maps The expedition traveled to over 1,000 re- The high-resolution coral reef maps made mote coral reefs in 15 countries, mapping and for this study can be found on the World Reef surveying the reefs down to a one-square meter Map, an interactive coral reef atlas where scale to better understand their health and users can explore all of the coral reefs and The latest measurement of the expansion rate of the Universe is resiliency. Many of the reefs visited on the shallow water marine habitats mapped on in, and it has confirmed with more certainty than ever that we expedition had never been studied before. the Global Reef Expedition. have a real dilly of a pickle on our hands. Once again, the result The high-resolution coral reef maps con- Scientists estimate that over 50 percent has shown that the Universe is expanding much faster than it tain information on shallow water marine of coral reefs worldwide have been lost in should be based on the conditions just after the Big Bang. habitat such as fore and back reefs as well as the past 40 years due to climate change and The Universe’s rate of expansion is called the Hubble Constant, information on the size of seagrass beds and other human pressures. and it’s been incredibly tricky to pin down. mangrove forests for key locations visited Scientists estimate that over 50 percent of Although they by no means cover every According to data from the Planck satellite that measured on the expedition. coral reefs worldwide have been lost in the reef worldwide, this new atlas covers a mean- the cosmic microwave background (the conditions of the ear- Mangrove forests ingful portion of key reef provinces around ly Universe just 380,000 years after the Big Bang, the Hubble All of these coastal habitats are key com- past 40 years due to climate change and the world. It also provides much-needed Constant should be 67.4 kilometers (41.9 miles) per second per ponents of tropical coastal ecosystems and other human pressures. baseline data of coral reef health prior to megaparsec, with less than 1 percent uncertainty. help to filter water, protect the coast from the 2017 mass bleaching event. There are a number of ways to derive the Hubble Constant. storms, and provide key nursery habitat for conducted on the Global Reef Expedition we demonstrate the potential to use satellite “Benthic habitat maps are an essential Edwin Hubble observed the Doppler shift of retreating nebu- commercial and subsistence fisheries. They and extrapolate that information across images to make coral reef maps at global scale.” tool in coral reef conservation as they provide lae - that is, the changes in the wavelength of light as the object also face increasing threats from coastal de- the entire reef using ultra-high-resolution Scientists now have a way to peer beneath a snapshot of where reefs are located and moves farther away. But, in the decades since then, our methods velopment, overfishing, and climate change. satellite imagery. the waves to accurately map large areas of the status of their health,” said Alexandra have refined. Now, calculations often involve the use of standard To develop the new model to accurate- “Developing such an understanding for coral reefs at greatly reduced cost. Tradi- Dempsey, the director of science manage- candles such as Cepheid variable stars, whose known luminosity ly map coral reef and other tropical shal- coral reefs is especially challenging because tional coral reef surveys are expensive to ment for the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans allows for accurate distance calculations - and they have pretty low-water marine habitats, scientists took they are submerged underwater and therefore conduct and limited in scope, requiring hours Foundation and a co-author of the paper. consistently been returning results faster than the Planck data. data collected from extensive SCUBA surveys obscured from casual view. With this study, of underwater surveys conducted by high- (Source: natureworldnews.com) Last year, for example, a Cepheid variable calculation of the Hubble Constant returned an expansion rate of 73.5 kilometers (45.6 miles) per second per megaparsec. This measurement reduced the possibility that the results Team says ice-proof coating for big structures relies on a ‘beautiful were somehow mistaken to one in 5,000. Now we have a fresh result that narrows it down even further. That’s about 9 percent faster than estimates based on the demonstration of mechanics’ Planck data. And the chance that the discrepancy is a fluke or A new class of coatings that sheds ice effortlessly from even its leading edge. Once that crack starts, it can quickly spread an error is now just one in 100,000. large surfaces has moved researchers closer to their dec- across the entire iced surface, regardless of its size. “This mismatch has been growing and has now reached a ades-long goal of ice-proofing cargo ships, airplanes, power “Imagine pulling a rug across a floor,” said Michael Thou- point that is really impossible to dismiss as a fluke. This disparity lines and other large structures. less, the Janine Johnson Weins Professor of Engineering could not plausibly occur by chance.” The spray-on coatings, developed at the University of in mechanical engineering. The “larger the rug, the harder (Source: sciencealert.com) Michigan, cause ice to fall away from structures — regardless it is to move. You are resisted by the strength of the entire of their size — with just the force of a light breeze, or often the interface between the rug and floor. The frictional force is weight of the ice itself. A paper on the research is published analogous to the interfacial strength. in Science. The researchers overcame a major limitation of Interfacial roughness Diamonds reveal how previous ice-repellent coatings — while they worked well “But now imagine there’s a wrinkle in that rug. It’s easy on small areas, researchers found in field testing that they to keep pushing that wrinkle across the rug, regardless of continents are stabilized, key didn’t shed ice on very large surfaces as effectively as they how big the rug is. The resistance to propagating the wrinkle had hoped. That’s an issue, since ice tends to cause the big- is analogous to the interfacial toughness that resists the to Earth’s habitability gest problems on the biggest surfaces — sapping efficiency, propagation of a crack.” jeopardizing safety and necessitating costly removal. Thouless said the concept of interfacial toughness is well The longevity of Earth’s continents in the face of destructive tec- They cleared this hurdle with a “beautiful demonstra- of ice, the more force is required. We found that we were known in the field of fracture mechanics, where it under- tonic activity is an essential geologic backdrop for the emergence tion of mechanics.” Anish Tuteja, an associate professor of bumping up against the limits of low adhesion strength, pins products like laminated surfaces and adhesive-based of life on our planet. This stability depends on the underlying materials science and engineering, described how he and and our coatings became ineffective once the surface area aircraft joints. But until now, it hadn’t been applied in ice mantle attached to the landmasses. New research demonstrates his colleagues turned to a property that isn’t well-known got large enough.” mitigation. The advance came when Thouless learned of that diamonds can be used to reveal how a buoyant section of in icing research. The new coatings solve the problem by introducing a Tuteja’s previous work and saw an opportunity. mantle beneath some of the continents became thick enough to “For decades, coating research has focused on lowering second strategy: low interfacial toughness, abbreviated LIT. “Traditionally, fracture mechanics researchers only care provide long-term stability. adhesion strength — the force per unit area required to tear Surfaces with low interfacial toughness encourage cracks about interfacial toughness, and ice mitigation researchers The longevity of Earth’s continents in the face of destructive a sheet of ice from a surface,” Tuteja said. to form between ice and the surface. And unlike breaking often only care about interfacial strength,” Thouless said. “But tectonic activity is an essential geologic backdrop for the emergence The surface area got large an ice sheet’s surface adhesion, which requires tearing the both parameters are important for understanding adhesion. of life on our planet. New research by a group of geoscientists The “problem with this strategy is that the larger the sheet entire sheet free, a crack only breaks the surface free along (Source: phys.org) from Carnegie, the Gemological Institute of America, and the University of Alberta demonstrates that diamonds can be used to reveal how a buoyant section of mantle beneath some of the continents became thick enough to provide long-term stability. ‘Catastrophic’ breeding failure at one of world’s largest emperor penguin colonies Diamonds may be beloved by jewelry collectors, but they are truly a geologist’s best friend. Because they originate deep inside Emperor penguins at the Halley Bay colony in mally stormy weather, the sea-ice broke up detect individuals and penguin huddles, so the Earth, tiny mineral grains trapped inside of a diamond, often the Weddell Sea have failed to raise chicks for in October, well before any emperor chicks we can estimate the population based on the considered undesirable in the gem trade, can reveal details about the last three years, scientists have discovered. would have fledged. known density of the groups to give reliable the conditions under which it formed. Researchers from British Antarctic Survey Leading to death of chicks estimate of colony size.” The material that comprises them must thicken, stabilize, (BAS) studied very high-resolution satellite This pattern was repeated in 2017 and BAS penguin expert and co-author Dr. and cool under the continent to form a strong, buoyant, keel imagery to reveal the unusual findings, pub- again in 2018 and led to the death of almost Phil Trathan, said: “It is impossible to say that is fundamental for preserving the surface landmass against lished on 25 April in the journal Antarctic all the chicks at the site each season. whether the changes in sea-ice conditions at the relentless destructive forces of Earth’s tectonic activity. But Science. The colony at Halley Bay colony has Halley Bay are specifically related to climate how this is accomplished has been a matter of debate in the Until recently, the Halley Bay colony now all but disappeared, whilst the nearby change, but such a complete failure to breed scientific community. was the second largest in the world, with Dawson Lambton colony has markedly in- successfully is unprecedented at this site. (Source: sciencedaily.com) the number of breeding pairs varying each creased in size, indicating that many of the “Even taking into account levels of ecolog- year between 14,000 - 25,000; around 5-9% adult emperors have moved there, seeking ical uncertainty, published models suggest of the global emperor penguin population. better breeding grounds as environmental that emperor penguins numbers are set to The failure to raise chicks for three consec- conditions have changed. fall dramatically, losing 50-70% of their utive years is associated with changes in the The re-location of many of the birds to a numbers before the end of this century as In a breakthrough test local sea-ice conditions. Emperor penguins more stable breeding ground is encourag- sea-ice conditions change as a result of cli- need stable sea-ice on which to breed, and ing, as until now it was not known whether colonies in the region, for the last decade mate change.” scientists create speech from this icy platform must last from April when the penguins would seek alternative sites using very high resolution satellite imagery. By using satellite imagery to study the the birds arrive, until December when their in response to significant changes in their “These images have clearly shown the behavior of this colony and its response to brain signals chicks fledge. local environment. catastrophic breeding failure at this site over catastrophic sea-ice loss scientists will gain For the last 60 years the sea-ice conditions Lead author and BAS remote sensing spe- the last three years. vital information about how this iconic species A prosthetic voice decodes what the brain intends to say and in the Halley Bay site have been stable and cialist Dr. Peter Fretwell said: “We have been The penguin huddles might cope with future environmental change. generates (mostly) understandable speech, no muscle move- reliable. But in 2016, after a period of abnor- tracking the population of this, and other Our specialized satellite image analysis can (Source: eurekalert.org) ment needed. “In my head, I churn over every sentence ten times, delete a word, add an adjective, and learn my text by heart, paragraph Climate change could be making oceans waves bigger, researchers discover by paragraph,” wrote Jean-Dominique Bauby in his memoir, The “Diving Bell and the Butterfly.” In the book, Mr. Bauby, a Extreme ocean winds and waves have become more common Extreme events in the Southern Ocean can impact beaches in many ways and that a changing climate system is likely journalist and editor, recalled his life before and after a paralyzing over the past three decades, according to scientists who warn in the Southern Hemisphere, as this is where ocean swells to have many cascading impacts.” stroke that left him virtually unable to move a muscle; he tapped climate change could be causing the trend. in the Indian Ocean, the Southern Atlantic and the Pacific Sea level rise out the book letter by letter, by blinking an eyelid. A team of experts at the University of Melbourne looked are generated. “When people think of sea level rise they are concerned by Thousands of people are reduced to similarly painstaking means at around 4 billion observations of wind speed and wave “Although increases of 5 percent for waves and 8 percent the potential flooding that will result. Over the next century, of communication as a result of injuries suffered in accidents or height captured by 31 satellites between 1985 and 2018. for winds may not seem like much, if sustained into the fu- however, the biggest source of coastal flooding will still be combat, of strokes, or of neurodegenerative disorders such as amyo- Overall, the study published in the journal Science in- ture such changes to our climate will have major impacts,” storm events,” he explained. trophic lateral sclerosis, or A.L.S., that disable the ability to speak. dicated oceans appear to have become stormier. This has Young said. “What sea level rise will do is increase the severity and Now, scientists are reporting that they have developed a virtual implications for coastal communities, as storm waves can The study was limited, however, because while the team frequency of these storm-related flooding events. If extreme prosthetic voice, a system that decodes the brain’s vocal intentions erode beaches and cause flooding. used a very large database Young said the world’s oceans are waves are increasing in magnitude, it will further increase and translates them into mostly understandable speech, with no The biggest increases in extreme winds were found in vast and satellites miss some storms, which may make the the impact of these flooding events and also have major need to move a muscle, even those in the mouth. (The physicist the Southern Ocean. There extreme winds increased by ap- findings biased. And the dataset only goes back 33 years, impacts on the erosion of beaches.” and author Stephen Hawking used a muscle in his cheek to type proximately 1.5 meters per second, or 8 percent, over the when the satellites were first put in orbit. “As with all climate-related change, the message is clear,” keyboard characters, which a computer synthesized into speech.) last 30 years. Extreme waves in this same region increased Yet the trends still warrant concern, suggested Young. It said Young. “We need to limit the production of greenhouse The new system deciphers the brain’s motor commands guid- by 30 centimeters or 5 percent. remains unclear if climate change caused the extreme events gases. Only through coordinated and significant global efforts ing vocal movement during speech — the tap of the tongue, the Winds were increasing faster noted by the researchers, but the historic record seems to will we address rising greenhouse gas levels.” narrowing of the lips — and generates intelligible sentences that On average, winds were increasing at a faster rate suggest a link, he said. A separate study which looked at the potential public approximate a speaker’s natural cadence. than the waves, Professor Ian Young, study co-author “Sea level rise is still the most significant climate-change health impact of climate change suggested global warming Experts said the new work represented a “proof of principle,” and an expert in physical oceanography and marine signal we are seeing in the oceans. Changes in winds and could worsen the spread of microbes which are immune to the a preview of what may be possible after further experimentation and ocean engineering at the University of Melborne waves will further enhance the damage sea level rise will drugs and substances we use to kill them, such as antibiotics. and refinement. told Newsweek. cause. The results, however, show that the climate is linked (Source: Newsweek) (Source: NYT) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 10 HERITAGE & TOURISM APRIL 27, 2019

Seafaring grows over Iran to host its Noruz holidays TOURISM TEHRAN — The number of sailings largest ever deskin Iran grew by nine percent during the Persian New Year (Noruz) holidays (March 16-April 4) in comparison to the same period last year, said deputy director of the Ports and Maritime Organization. meteorite exhibit HERITAGE TEHRAN — The largest Desert World Heritage. deskever exhibition of meteor- Meteorites, whether more iron-rich or ites in Iran will open on Sunday at the Museum “stony,” are generally silvery or black, and of Anthropology of the UNESCO-registered therefore stand out in two major environments Golestan Palace in Tehran. – sandy deserts, or icy realms. According to The exhibition will display meteorites experts, the dry conditions of a desert help which have hit the sprawling Lut Desert to preserve the space rocks in as original as and other parts of the country over time. condition as possible. A gathering of Iranian geoscientists, as- The scorching Lut Desert is now being sociated academia and dignitaries have been considered to be one of the top areas in the invited to the opening ceremony of the event. world for finding meteorites, thanks to its Meteorite expert Hojjat Kamali, who unique parameters. In recent years, significant is a record holder spotter, collector and finds have been made, with the efforts of na- museum owner of such outer space rocks, is tional and international teams of researchers. scheduled to deliver a speech at the event, Seven years of satellite temperature data CHTN reported. analyzed by NASA show that the Lut Desert “The event will be the largest and first is the hottest spot on Earth. Based on the “Some six million and 200 thousands sea travels were specialized exhibition of Iran’s meteorites, research, it was hottest during 5 of the 7 made from March 16 to April 4 [a high season for the New in which over 700 pieces, which are reg- years, and had the highest temperature Year travels], which shows a nine percent hike year on year,” istered with the efforts of Mr. Kamali on overall: 70.7°C in 2005. IRNA quoted Hadi Haqshenas as saying on Wednesday. international bulletins, will go on display,” The exhibition will be running through “A [countrywide] flooding [disaster] that happened [by said Mehran Maqsoudi, the director of Lut May 18. the beginning of] this year, caused an average decline of five percent in some ports but led to an overall increase of sea travels in the country. And ports in Hormozgan province contributed to some 75 percent of all sea travels What did tourism look like in the Ancient world? during the period.” The official added that there were 45 offshore terminals By Ethan Aines, archaeology grad student at Cambridge the Sun never looked on aught so grand.” (Full text operating in northern and southern coasts of the country. of “The Greek anthology”) Tourism—or something like it—has been recorded from “A total of 590,000 vehicles were transported from the Traveling to see sites became even more popular classical antiquity through the middle ages. Although mainland to Kish and Qeshm islands in the Persian Gulf, during the Early and High Middle Ages, as did pro- travel was not nearly as widespread as today, and, which demonstrates a sign of safety institutionalization to-travel literature, in general. Arab writers Ibn Jubayr, as pointed out by Andrew, not perfectly analogous in sea trips,” he explained. from Al Andalus, and Ibn Battuta, from Morocco, both to what we consider travel today, in general we can According to data compiled by the Cultural Heritage, traveled and wrote about their journeys extensively speak of a tendency from ancient times towards the Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, Iranians made between the 12th and 14th centuries CE. modern era that approaches tourism. 74 million overnight stays in their domestic trips during Travel literature was a favorite genre in the Arab Travel in the ancient Mediterranean for reasons (Noruz) holidays, showing an increase of 20 percent year world at the time and earlier, and the One Thousand akin to modern-day tourism is well documented by on year. Nights and a Night, a collection of folk tales compiled historical sources. In Ancient Greece, many people during the Islamic Golden Age, is replete with examples would travel every year to visit a series of festivals of strange travels throughout the world. and games, including but not limited to the Olym- “Tourism” also flourished in the Middle Ages Destination festivals pic games. Travel was also common from Magna throughout Europe in the form of pilgrimages, which Graceia—the areas in Southern Italy extensively carried momentous spiritual significance, beginning boost tourism populated by Greek settlers—to Greece for cultural around the 3rd and 4th centuries CE. Travelers would exchange. In the fifth century BC, the historian Her- Detail from the Ellesmere Manuscript, a very early, visit sites associated with the life and death of Christ, odotus traveled to Egypt, Tyre, and Babylon, writing The tourism sector is one of the largest money generating illuminated copy of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales the Apostles, Saints, and Christian martyrs. In the about his journey. 1140s, a volume known as Mirabilia Urbis Romae sectors in the world. It is an ever developing industry, Although Herodotus was credited by Cicero as the different documents for Hellenic travelers. The most where new niches emerge. was written, documenting the “Marvels of the City Father of History, the works of Pausanias constitute famous of these lists is credited to Antipater of Sidon of Rome” for pilgrims. Later, at the end of the 14th Tourism, as a concept, has come a long way today, and something of a similar character to what we would from his Greek Anthology in which he wrote (about the activity has been classified into various types. From century CE, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote The Canter- identify as travel literature. Around 150 CE, Pausanias ten years after Pausanias’s Description): “I have set bury Tales, a collection of ribald stories following a adventure tourism to medical tourism, there are many wrote his ten-volume Description of Greece, which eyes on the wall of lofty Babylon on which is a road forms of tourism. group of pilgrims from Southwark to the Shrine of documents the architecture, art, mythology, and history for chariots, and the statue of Zeus by the Alpheus, Thomas Becket. Recently, during the Easter weekend, Nigeria held the associated with different regions of Greece. and the hanging gardens, and the Colossus of the Sun, biggest one-day music festival in West Africa. In Thailand, By the 18th and 19th centuries CE, travel on a “grand Around the same time as Pausanias, “guidebooks” and the huge labor of the high pyramids, and the vast tour” was quite common among the European upper on April 20, marvels of medical cannabis showcased as a were becoming quite popular. The Seven Wonders of tomb of Mausolus; but when I saw the house of Artemis new era kicks off. classes, and travel looked much more like tourism the Ancient World, referring to extraordinary build- that mounted to the clouds, those other marvels lost does today. Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to ings in classical antiquity, were listed in numerous their brilliancy, and I said, ‘Lo, apart from Olympus, legalese marijuana for medical purposes last year. (Source: quora.com) (Source: africanews.com)

ROUND THE GLOBE Rising sea levels are threatening Hawaii’s beaches — here’s what’s being done to save them Oahu’s Waikiki Beach is iconic. Surfers head there will be a 3-foot rise in Hawaii’s sea La Amistad National Park to the water, shoppers seek out high-end level by 2100. This rise would threaten over boutiques, and just about everyone wants 6,000 buildings and 20,000 people with The Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La to walk along the white sandy shore and chronic flooding across the five islands. Amistad National Park extends along the border get their photo taken. But that might all “This flooding will threaten $5 billion of between Panama and Costa Rica. The transboundary change in the next several years as water taxable real estate; flood nearly 30 miles of property covers large tracts of the highest and wildest levels rise and scientists say frequent flooding roadway; and impact pedestrians, commercial non-volcanic mountain range in Central America and is imminent. and recreation activities, tourism, trans- is one of that region’s outstanding conservation areas. According to a 2017 report by the Hawaii portation, and infrastructure,” said Shellie The Talamanca Mountains contain one of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Habel, lead author of the 2017 study, in a major remaining blocks of natural forest in Central Commission that was updated in September release on Science Daily. America with no other protected area complex in 2018, the capital of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, To protect Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Central America containing a comparable altitudi- and several coastal areas on Hawaii’s five and the state’s coastline, AP reports that nal variation. islands will experience frequent flooding Hawaii’s state Senate and House of Rep- within 15 to 20 years. resentatives passed a bill that calls for a According to lawmakers, the water levels shoreline protection plan. If approved, the have already risen more than 6 inches in bill would utilize $4 million to fund a pilot recent decades. The 2017 report estimates project to build-up and protect the shoreline. that as the Earth heats up and water expands (Source: travelandleisure.com)

Ancient tomb of mysterious man named Tjt discovered in Egypt Archeologists in Egypt recently discovered a tomb near the tomb. Next to some other mummies were vessels Aswan, along the Nile River. Hieroglyphic text etched that still contained food on the wooden coffin fragments found inside the tomb Archaeologists also found fragments of funerary masks revealed that it belonged to a mysterious man named painted in gold and a small statue of the ba-bird. A bird Tjt, the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities said yesterday with a human head that represents a person’s soul, this is (April 24) in a statement. a typical symbol found in burials of the time. Though the owner of the tomb was Tjt alone, its occu- Near the chamber’s entrance, sitting next to a lamp, were pants were many. It hid dozens of mummies, some of them materials used by ancient Egyptians to wrap mummies, Inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage site, the of young children. Two of the mummies lay on top of one including vessels of bitumen (asphalt) to preserve bodies property has many peaks on both sides of the border, another, meaning they could have been a mother and her and white, unpainted cartonnage. That material consists including Cerro Chirripo, the highest elevation in child, according to the ministry. The tomb was likely built of linen, papyrus and plaster. Costa Rica and all of southern Central America. The between the sixth century BC and the fourth century CE. The text that mentioned Tjt also referenced ancient surface area of the property 570,045 hectares, of There were also a variety of ancient artifacts scattered Egyptian gods, including Hapi, the god of the Nile River. which 221,000 hectares are on the Panamanian side. throughout the tomb, including offering vases and am- This tomb is just one of about 300 scattered around the The beautiful and rugged mountain landscape har- phorae — tall decorated jars with tiny necks flanked by area of the Mausoleum of the Aga Khan, an imam of the Shia bors extraordinary biological and cultural diversity. two handles. Along one wall stood an intact stretcher Ismaili Muslims, according to the statement Pre-ceramic archaeological sites indicate that the that ancient Egyptians likely used to bring bodies into (Source: Live Science) Talamanca Range has a history of many millennia of human occupation. There are several indigenous peoples on both sides of the border within and near the property. Ryanair launches podcast travel series In terms of biological diversity, there is a wide range of ecosystems, an unusual richness of spe- Budget airline Ryanair has launched a new one focusing on Portugal, Spain and Norway. nair’s network of destinations in Europe cies per area unit and an extraordinary degree of podcasttravel series, the latest addition This feeds into efforts by the airline to and beyond. Remember – don’t waste endemism. to its Try Somewhere New travel content produce informative travel content and your summer indoors – get out and Try The scenic mountains and foothills contain im- platform which seeks to entice holiday- video guides for all of its destinations. Somewhere New with Ryanair.” pressive footprints of Quaternary glaciation, such as makers to explore further afield. Ryanair’s Alejandra Ruiz said: “Our ‘Try The series will be shared on Ryanair’s glacial cirques, lakes and valleys shaped by glaciers, Season one of the podcast features three Somewhere New’ platform also offers be- social media channels and made available phenomena not found elsewhere in the region. 25-minute episodes fronted by TV presenter spoke written and video travel guides, tips directly to travelers who book flights to (Source: UNESCO) Julia Bradbury who reports on popular tourist and advice for travelers looking to explore any of the featured destinations. destinations throughout Europe, with episode the cities, islands and regions across Rya- (Source: thedrum.com) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 27, 2019 HEALTH 11

Iranian scientists Why science can’t seem to tell us how to eat right produce liquid- Eggs once fell from grace, going from the sunny breakfast staple of choice to a hard pass if you wanted to avoid heart attacks. Then, like all disgraced celebrities, they seemed to make a comeback -- in the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Health experts said we could stop worrying about the cholesterol or eating too many based cytology kit eggs. (Brunch never looked so fantastic.) Then last month, a study seemed to say -- hold up! -- cholesterol in your diet and eating eggs most people who have had HPV infections, 1 The process is being widely used was linked to a higher heart risk. however, do not develop cervical cancer. in the United States, many European Instead of screams of frustration, though, the news was met with According to World Health Organ- countries, and elsewhere. a collective sigh of boredom. Because to be honest, there’s a long ization cervical cancer is the fourth Cervical cancer is a cancer arising list of foods, diets, and ingredients -- coconut oil, butter, avocados, most frequent cancer in women with from the cervix. It is due to the abnormal low-fat foods, salt, nuts, saturated fat, sugar -- that seem to have an estimated 570,000 new cases in 2018 growth of cells that have the ability to gone through the same good guy-bad guy cycle. representing 6.6% of all female cancers. invade or spread to other parts of the It’s understandable if you yawned, looked at your fitness-tracker Approximately 90% of deaths from cer- body. Human papillomavirus infection watch of choice, and asked, “Remind me, where are we in the cycle vical cancer occurred in low- and mid- (HPV) causes more than 90% of cases; on this one?” just before digging into your plate of scrambled eggs. So who is to blame for the average person’s jaded palate when it The high mortality rate from cervical comes to foods that supposedly are or are not “healthy”? cancer globally could be reduced through Like many things food-related, it depends on whom you ask. Some blame the science, which, you might have guessed, has some a comprehensive approach that includes problems. (More on that later.) Others say it’s the media. And people prevention, early diagnosis, effective dle-income countries. The high mortality approach that includes prevention, early who stand to profit -- namely, the food industry as well as nutrition screening and treatment programmes. rate from cervical cancer globally could diagnosis, effective screening and treat- “gurus” hawking diet books and products -- are also adding to the be reduced through a comprehensive ment programmes. messages. Here’s why it’s kind of your fault, too Americans have a glorious variety when it comes to living life, eating different foods, cooking them in different ways, and making thousands of decisions every day. These can all affect the long-term Plan to lower high blood pressure to start nationally: minister risk of things like heart disease and diabetes, which makes it pretty HEALTH TEHRAN — National plan to lower become an annual event ever since. The purpose of the hard to study the connection between diet and chronic disease. deskhigh blood pressure among Iranians WHD is to promote public awareness of hypertension But scientists, always up for a challenge, do it anyway. For decades, will go into effect on May 17 concurrent with World and to encourage citizens of all countries to prevent the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and other advisory groups Hypertension Day, Health Minister Saeed Namaki has and control this silent killer, the modern epidemic. have relied on observational research, which are studies that look said. The theme for World Hypertension Day is Know Your at what people in the real world eat and how they fare health-wise. In a letter to President Hassan Rouhani Health Numbers with a goal of increasing high blood pressure In those studies, people fill out questionnaires about how often they Minister asked the president to urge all responsible (BP) awareness in all populations around the world. ate certain foods in the past year. For example, NHANES, or the bodies to help in the fight against the disease, ISNA Worldwide, raised blood pressure is estimated to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, has been done news agency reported on Wednesday? cause 7.5 million deaths, about 12.8% of the total of all since the 1960s and has more than 100 questions, like “how often He expressed hope that in a collective attempt, high deaths. World Health Organization reports that raised did you drink coffee?” or “how often did you eat mixed vegetables?” blood pressure, one of the biggest risk factor for deaths, blood pressure is a major risk factor for coronary heart with answers like “never” and “2-3 times per month.” will be lowered among Iranians. disease and ischemic as well as hemorrhagic stroke. But some critics say this type of research is unreliable to the Every year, May 17 is dedicated to World Hypertension Blood pressure levels have been shown to be positively point of being useless -- people barely remember what they ate Day (WHD). This is an initiative of the World Hypertension Society of Hypertension (ISH). and continuously related to the risk for stroke and for breakfast, much less how many times a week they ate broccoli League (WHL), an affiliated section of the International The WHD was first inaugurated in May 2005 and has coronary heart disease. last January. Plus, people tend to fudge a bit to make themselves look better. In his research published in 2013 and 2015, Edward Archer, PhD, analyzed more than 60,000 people in the NHANES databases. World Immunization Week 2019 stresses the importance of working together to leave no one behind He found that the number of calories people said they ate were not enough to actually keep them alive. World Immunization Week will be immunization activities, and several “The dietary data that food frequency questionnaires collect is celebrated both globally and regionally countries are making progress towards physiologically implausible, about 65% to 85%, meaning it cannot be from 24 to 30 April 2019, using the eliminating measles. right,” says Archer, who did the research at the University of Alabama slogan “Protected Together: Vaccines “In addition to its positive impact on in Birmingham but is now the chief science officer at EnduringFX, Work!” to promote the use of vaccines to child health, when immunization rates a company that analyzes data from wearable devices. protect people of all ages against vaccine- are high, we know the wider community “We have this data that is just ridiculous. If people can’t survive preventable diseases. is protected. The theme of this year’s on it, why is the dietary guidelines advisory committee using it a Immunization saves millions of lives campaign ‘Protected Together: Vaccines baseline for our dietary guidelines?” he says. “Everyone agrees that every year and is widely recognized as one Work!’ reminds us of the importance of NHANES is a joke, but the federal government continues to use of the most successful and cost-effective ensuring that everyone is provided with the it.” (Archer’s early studies as a graduate student took place in a lab public health interventions. Around the life-saving benefits of vaccines to protect where his research assistant salary was funded by Coca-Cola, but world, 162 countries now use vaccines, them against diseases,” said Dr Ahmed he said he has been self-funded since 2016.) and the average global rate of vaccination Al-Mandhari, WHO’s Regional Director for John Ioannidis, MD, a professor at Stanford University, has argued coverage is 85%. the Eastern Mediterranean. “Expanding for years that the vast majority of nutrition research is flawed to the The Eastern Mediterranean Region has access to immunization is vital to achieve point of being false. He says results from observational studies are seen a remarkable increase in the number the Sustainable Development Goals and often not confirmed in placebo-controlled, randomized trials, which of people receiving vaccines in recent years, WHO’s triple-billion goals. Immunization are the gold standard when it comes to finding out if something is with more vaccines introduced and more will lay the foundation for progress towards scientifically sound. He also says researchers cherry-pick data to countries eliminating diseases through universal health coverage in line with our support their own biases; there are too many small, low-quality trials immunization. More lives are being saved regional vision of Health For All, By All.” published; and a lot of nutrition-related research is compromised each year in consequence. As part of this year’s campaign, in the Region for their commitment to society, community and immunization by strong financial ties to the food industry. National immunization programmes vaccinators who spearhead efforts to strengthening immunization programmes, partners, together we can and must What’s more, many one-ingredient claims -- like a study that in the Region have achieved remarkable reach every child – community health and also thanks WHO’s partners for their drive vaccination progress to reach more seems to suggest that one hazelnut a day will increase your lifespan successes over the last decade. In 2017, professionals, doctors, nurses, managers continued interest in, commitment to and children, rolling out newer vaccines and by a year -- just don’t sound credible. 13.5 million children received routine and parents will all be celebrated and support for immunization programmes. expanding the benefits of vaccination “I love hazelnuts, and I do recommend that you eat more of them, immunizations compared to 11.5 million in honored as immunization heroes. Their But a lot of work still needs to be done across the life course. I urge you all to but I don’t do it because I expect to live 120 years if I eat that many 2008. New vaccines have been introduced roles in keeping children healthy and to fill the immunization gap. As many as celebrate World Immunization Week hazelnuts every day,” he said at a conference in 2018. into national immunization programmes, securing a safer, healthier future for all 3.1 million children remain unvaccinated 2019 with absolute commitment to ensure In a statement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which pub- resulting in 69 additions to immunization will be acknowledged. or under-vaccinated in the Region, and that everyone is protected from vaccine- lishes the Dietary Guidelines, said it includes “study designs that schedules in the Region. More than 470 During World Immunization Week 2019, outbreaks of measles and diphtheria have preventable diseases and no one is left offer the strongest evidence for establishing a relationship between million children have been vaccinated the WHO Regional Office expresses the been reported in some countries. behind,” Dr Al-Mandhari said. diet and health.” against measles through supplementary Organization’s appreciation of governments “In broader partnership with civil (Source: emro.who.int) “When it comes to minimizing public confusion, we encourage the public to not read too much into individual studies and not to change their eating behaviors based on one study,” a USDA spokes- person said. “Instead, we encourage the public to follow the key Innovative patch may reduce muscle damage after a heart attack recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines since they are based A recent study in rats shows that an innovative patch that mechanical patches could be effective, but no research on the body of scientific evidence over time and are a reliable source prevented the stretching of the heart muscle common had attempted to identify the “optimum mechanical for consumers and practitioners.” after a heart attack. properties.” Getting those properties right is crucial to So what does science really know about food? An innovative new patch limits heart muscle damage ensuring that the patch can work properly. But not all of the recommendations for healthy eating rely on after a heart attack. “If the material is too hard or stiff,” he adds, “then you observational studies, and scientists take a variety of studies into A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that provides could confine the movement of the heart so that it can’t account when coming up with general guidelines, says Bonnie F. the heart muscle with oxygen is significantly reduced expand to the volume it needs to. But, if the material is Liebman, director of nutrition at the Center for Science in the Public or blocked. too soft, then it won’t provide enough support. So, we Interest in Washington, D.C. The heart muscle is injured in the process, and the needed some mechanical principles to guide us.” “The dietary guides are based on a combination of those obser- amount of damage usually depends on the size of the Creating right mechanical properties is key vational studies and randomized controlled trials,” she says. area supplied by the blocked artery. The researchers developed a computer model focused In randomized trials, scientists assign people to one group or It can take about 8 weeks for the heart muscle to heal. on two key components, one of which was the expanding another and follow them for a specific period of time to see which Despite the damage, the rest of the heart has to keep on and contracting of the heart and the impact the patch treatment (or food) is better for you. These types of trials are hard pumping blood. had on these functions. to do for food -- you can’t ask people to eat only, say, hot dogs for Scar tissue may form in the injured area and have The other was to model the injuries that occur after weeks, months, or years at time. But some research does look at an impact on the amount of blood that the heart is able a heart attack. In this way, the team could look at how whether some eating habits are linked to a lower blood pressure, to pump. much mechanical support would be necessary to limit cholesterol, or other things that are associated with chronic disease, Most people who survive a heart attack have some the damage. which are considered acceptable in cases where you can’t follow degree of coronary artery disease. This occurs when arteries Following the results of the computer model, the people over a lifetime. become hardened and narrowed. Usually, survivors have researchers — led by Prof. Lei Yang, of Soochow University “Some critics don’t really understand the science or have misinter- to make crucial lifestyle changes and may have to take — created a hydrogel material using food-sourced starch. preted the science. But if you rely on the American Heart Association, medication to prevent a future heart attack. new type of adhesive heart patch on rats. This material is inexpensive, easy to make, and viscoelastic, the World Health Organization, the American Cancer Society, you’ll According to the Centers for Disease Control and The study was an interdisciplinary effort among which means that “it combines fluid and solid properties.” find a pretty consistent message,” Liebman says. Prevention (CDC), more than 700,000 people in the researchers in computer modeling and mechanics, material The study in rats showed that this new type of adhesive Marion Nestle, a retired professor of nutrition, food studies, and United States have a heart attack every year. Of these, scientists, and cardiology. The scientists published their patch was effective in reducing muscle damage after a public health at New York University, says the dietary advice hasn’t more than 500,000 experience their first heart attack findings in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering. heart attack. changed all that much in decades. and about 200,000 have already had one. The scientists created this adhesive patch using a “[It] maintained a better cardiac output and thus greatly “Eat vegetables; don’t eat too much salt, sugar, and saturated Signs of a heart attack include chest pain and shortness water-based hydrogel material and developed it using reduced the overload of those remaining cardiomyocytes fat; watch your body weight; and don’t eat too much junk food. I of breath. Half of U.S. individuals have at least one of computer simulations. The patch can sit directly on the and adverse cardiac remodeling,” says study co-author mean that hasn’t changed since 1960,” she says. “What seems to the following risk factors: high blood pressure, high heart, and the results of the study show that it may Ning Sun, a cardiology researcher at Fudan University. change is research about individual nutrients and individual foods, cholesterol, or smoking. help limit the muscle damage that often occurs after Their research found that the patch can reduce cell but that’s not how people eat.” Diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and excessive a heart attack. death, the accumulation of scar tissue, and oxidative stress. News stories about this research may not disclose the funding alcohol use also increase the risk of a heart attack. “The idea here,” explains study co-author Prof. Huajian The researchers believe that more testing is required, source, size, or quality of the study, or how it fits in with other re- Testing a new type of adhesive heart patch Gao, from Brown University, “is to provide mechanical but the results are promising. search. And some journalists may rely on university or medical Scientists at Brown University in Providence, RI, Fudan support for damaged tissue, which hopefully gives it a “It remains to be seen if it will work in humans, but journal news releases that overhype or don’t tell the whole story University in Shanghai, China, and Soochow University chance to heal.” it’s very promising, says Prof. Huajian Gao. about a study’s findings, Liebman and Nestle say. in Suzhou, China have collaborated to create and test a Prof. Gao goes on to say that past studies had shown (Source: Medical News Today) (Source: WebMD) ADVERTISEMENTS

I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 12 APRIL 27, 2019 SOCIETYADVERTISEMENT APRIL 27, 2019 12

25% of waste produced Too precious to lose: What in Iran recyclable: environment official brought back Lake Urmia to life? ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN — Approximately 25% of the waste deskgenerated in Iran is recyclable, director general 1 In late March and early April 2019, believe that Lake Urmia couldn’t survive if it of Tehran province department of environment has said. 28 of Iran’s 31 provinces were affected by wasn’t for measures taken over the past few Generally waste is of economic value and while unlocking it devastating flooding from the rain. years by Lake Urmia Restoration program, would yield financial benefits waste management is being dis- Intense rains during the fall of 2018 and many other lakes across the country are regarded in the country, ISNA news agency quoted Kiyomars spring 2019 seem to be the main cause of this now covered with water fully or partially Kalantari as saying on Friday. fresh pulse of water not only in Lake Urmia without any restoration programs. Waste and leachate would bring about considerable damages but also all other wetlands nationwide. Without torrential rains no substan- to the earth, he regretted, adding that about 57,000 tons of waste While the lake is again showing signs tial amount of water would be stored is being produced in the country on a daily basis and unfortunately of life and seems to gain its former glory behind the dams to be released to enter a great deal of it will be strewn around in the nature. some officials believe that recent rainfalls the wetlands. Recycling the waste would stop pollutions from entering are not the main reasons behind lake’s Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian said groundwater and surface water resources and stop wasting en- restoration stating that measures taken in late March that heavy rainfalls in Iran ergy, he added. by the Lake Urmia Restoration Program has filled 70 percent of dams and resulted “We generally assume that consumers are blameworthy, while have mainly revived the lake. in restoration of drained wetlands across producers deserve disapproval as they have to produce products In an interview with IRNA news agen- the country saying that volume of water which can be easily recycled by using modern technologies.” cy published on Friday Masoud Tajrishi, stored behind the dams stands at 35 billion Kalantari explained. deputy environment chief, has claimed cubic meters while the amount measured Everyday 8,000 tons of waste is being transferred to landfills that releasing water from the dams as well at 23 billion cubic meters in the same pe- in Tehran but not even 1 kilogram of it is recycled as waste seg- as proper dredging practices have revived riod last year. regation at source in not being practiced, he lamented. Lake Urmia. Issa Kalantari, chief of Iran’s Department Recycling is of great importance as waste has a huge nega- He went on to say that while the regions of Environment, said in late March that tive impact on the natural environment. Harmful chemicals and received the same amount of precipita- 90 percent of the wetlands nationwide are greenhouse gasses are released from rubbish in landfill sites. tions in water year 2006-2007 the lake now restored. Recycling helps to reduce the pollution caused by waste as well didn’t show any signs of revival. Same National Drought Warning and Moni- as reduce the need for raw materials. thing happened in water year 2009-2010 toring Center (NDWMC) data shows that According to 4waste.com waste can be classified into five types and the lake didn’t return to life rather since the beginning of the current water of waste which is all commonly found around the house. These the water level dropped by 43 centime- year (starting on September 23, 2018) include liquid waste, solid rubbish, organic waste, recyclable ters, he added. the whole country has received 293.5 rubbish and hazardous waste. Tajrishi believes that by removal of sed- Images published on NASA Earth Observatory website, acquired by the Moderate Res- millimeters of precipitation on average 1. Liquid Waste iments and debris from the bottom of lake olution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite, show the lake and this is while the average precipitation Liquid waste is commonly found both in households as well over the past four years the lake sprang on February 5, 2019, and April 12, 2019, before and after the recent floods in the region. the country received over the last water as in industries. This waste includes dirty water, organic liquids, into life after recent rainfalls. The rains were reported to be the heaviest Iran has seen in 50 years. After the spring year (September 2017-September 2018) wash water, waste detergents and even rainwater. While Tajrishi and some other officials rains, the depth of the lake increased by 62 centimeters compared to the spring of 2018. amounts to 120.8 milliliters. 2. Solid Rubbish Solid rubbish can include a variety of items found in household along with commercial and industrial locations. Pedestrians account for 45% of traffic deaths in Tehran Solid rubbish is commonly broken down into the following types: Plastic waste – This consists of bags, containers, jars, bottles SOCIETY TEHRAN— About 45% of all deaths caused Organization some 15,927 died in traffic related accident and many other products that can be found in household. Plastic deskby traffic accidents in Tehran, the capital, in the first eleven months of the past year. In Tehran also, is not biodegradable, but many types of plastic can be recycled. were related to pedestrians last year (March 2018-March some 1,221 lost their lives in car crashes. Plastic should not be mix in with regular waste, it should be 2019), head of traffic accidents department of Tehran Traffic Sadly some 341,570 also sustained injuries in accidents, sorted and placed in recycling bin. Police has said. the report added. Paper/card waste – This includes packaging materials, 87% of the deceased pedestrians were male and 13% Crossing the street at designated crosswalks or intersec- newspapers, cardboards and other products. Paper can easily were female, Ehsan Momeni explained, Mehr news agency tions, making sure that of using crossing signals, avoiding be recycled and reused. reported on Thursday. jaywalking (crossing the street, not at a designated crosswalk), Tins and metals – This can be found in various forms through- More than half of the accidents resulting in deaths of the increasing your visibility at night by a carrying a flashlight out home. Most metals can be recycled. pedestrians occurred at night and in highways, Momeni added. or wearing reflective clothing, crossing the street and walk Ceramics and glass – These items can easily be recycled. Highlighting that bright color and high contrast make in well-lit areas, making eye contact with drivers in stopped 3. Organic Waste objects visible at night he urged the pedestrians to wear vehicles to ensure they see you, and avoiding distractions, Organic waste is another common household. All food waste, bright colors at night. such as looking at your phone when walking or crossing a garden waste, manure and rotten meat are classified as organic waste. According to the latest data released by Iran’s Forensics street can enhance pedestrian safety. Over time, organic waste is turned into manure by microorganisms. However, this does not mean that one can dispose them anywhere. Organic waste in landfills causes the production of methane, so it must never be simply discarded with general waste. Fire poppies: rare golden flowers rise from the ashes in California 4. Recyclable Rubbish When wildfires swept through southern Cali- heels of major fires – in the Santa Monica area struggling to recover from fire damage Mountains national recreation area. Then Recyclable rubbish includes all waste items that can be con- fornia last year they left a trail of destruction: Mountains, which were especially hard hit. even as other parts of California are swept when the fire hits, it sends a message to begin verted into products that can be used again. Solid items such as leveling houses, historic Hollywood sets and She knew they were unusual, and that the by a phenomenal super bloom, these inflo- germination. For fire poppies, the signal comes paper, metals, furniture and organic waste can all be recycled. sites of biodiversity. Now a rare flower is 2018 Woolsey fire, which scorched more than rescences are a rare, and literal, bright spot. from smoke. For other fire followers, the heat 5. Hazardous Waste proving that great destruction can give rise 96,000 acres, made this a good year to hunt. The fire poppy belongs to a group of plants of a blaze can crack open the hard coating on Hazardous waste includes all types of rubbish that are flam- to something spectacular. Cholo got lucky: on a mountain trail this known as fire followers: those that use the heat, a seed. “This year, the combination of fire and mable, toxic, corrosive and reactive. Park ranger Ana Beatriz Cholo has been week she discovered the flowers, which are smoke or charred soil as signals to sprout. Their rain has created good conditions for lots of fire These items can harm human beings as well as the environ- on a mission to find fire poppies – a rare also known as Papaver californicum and seeds lie dormant for years, explains Marti Wit- followers,” she says. ment and must be disposed of correctly. and elusive species that only grows on the come in orange, red and brick red. For an ter, a wildfire ecologist for the Santa Monica (Source: The Guardian) Enough rainforest to fill 30 football pitches destroyed every minute last year The world lost 12 million hectares of tropical Democratic Republic of Congo with 481,248 forestation is getting worse,” said John Sauven, rainforest last year – an area the size of North hectares. executive director of Greenpeace UK. Korea and the equivalent of 30 football pitches The Global Forest Watch report suggested “Bold action is needed to tackle this global every minute, according to a new report. that most of Brazil’s loss last year was down to crisis including restoring lost forests. But unless Second Announcement “It’s death by a thousand cuts,” said Frances “cutting in the Amazon” by illegal loggers and we stop them being destroyed in the first place, Seymour, senior fellow at the US-based World militias, which threatened the survival of nearby we’re just chasing our tail.” Khouzestan Steel Company Resources Institute (WRI), which led the re- “uncontacted” indigenous tribes. However there was some improvement search based on an analysis of satellite imagery. It came as Brazil’s federal police revealed in Indonesia, where government policies on IN THE NAME OF GOD “The health of the planet is at stake and band they had uncovered a scheme to illegally har- protected forests appeared to have resulted INVITATION TO INTERNATIONAL TENDER aid responses are not enough. The world’s forests vest timber in the Amazon region. The criminal in tree cover losses dropping to their lowest No. :401975 are now in the emergency room.” conspiracy is said to involve state environmental rate since 2003. KHOUZESTAN STEEL COMPANY INTENDS TO PURCHASE The global destruction of tree cover includes agency officers and forest engineers. Much of the deforestation in that country is 6000 MT FERRO SILICO MANGANESE WITH THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATIONS: around 3.6 million hectares of primary rainfor- The greatest increase in deforestation com- blamed on land clearance for oil-palm plantations. est – older, untouched trees that absorb more pared to 2017 came in Ghana, with a 60 per cent Last year’s total loss of 12 million hectares Si 16 % Min carbon and are harder to replace – covering an increase mostly blamed on illegal mining and was the fourth-highest since records began in Mn 65 % Min area the size of Belgium. the expansion of cocoa farms. 2001 but was lower than 2016 and 2017 when S 0.03 % Max Brazil lost the most tropical primary rainforest “Forests are our greatest defense against losses peaked largely due to forest fires. 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I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 27, 2019 WORLD IN FOCUS 13 Western MSM aiding U.S. efforts to London has no political legitimize U.S.-Libyan warlord Haftar independence! 1 On summer 2017, and during the United Nations 1 However, the case is hardly a Western media was a Reuters report this General Assembly meeting in New York, senior British officials reversal as Pompeo’s remarks were not Saturday quoting the LNA spokesman as were committed to American and Zionist authorities to do their followed by any actions and last week the telling the UAE-funded Sky News Arabia best to “change the nuclear accord”, or “cancelling it “. In other U.S. even rejected a UN Security Council that Trump’s call to Haftar shows the U.S. words, British officials have promised Trump and Netanyahu to resolution calling for an end to clashes near believes in the role of the LNA in the war accept their final decision, even if it didn’t agree with the JCPOA. the Libyan capital. on terror. The speeches, arrangements, and even the moves of the British Given Trump’s praise of Haftar for “se- Of note, the article uses the term “Lib- Foreign Secretary in confrontation with the JCPOA are all based curing Libya’s oil resources” in their phone yan army” to refer to a loose patchwork of on a “grand strategy” in British foreign policy. This grand strategy conversation, it appears Haftar has indeed militant groups allied to Haftar. is nothing but their alliance with the United States of America. been the CIA’s man in Libya the whole time. Instead of questioning Trump and his In this equation, the presence of Democrats or Republicans in U.S.-Backed Operation dubious phone call with Haftar, the Reuters power is not basically important. In this political deal, documents After all, Haftar is known to be a CIA article is clearly echoing the U.S. narrative such as the JCPOA, though they are of high legal value, will be asset who was kept in reserve by the U.S. for and aims to boost legitimacy of Haftar and of no importance to the leaders of London and Washington. near two decades. Moreover, the operation his self-styled LNA. Today we are in 2019! British officials have continued to become of against Tripoli could have not been started Besides Reuters, some other western indiscriminate mercenaries of the White House in the interna- without the U.S. consent. outlets also toed their government’s line tional system. Undoubtedly, you can never think of England as A Guardian report dating back to 2014 and offered narratives sympathetic towards an independent country and politics in the world of politics! A sheds light on Haftar’s deep connections Haftar. country whose politicians have been involved in the killing of with the US: Washington Times described Haftar “a thousands in the West Asia region and elsewhere. “A career soldier, Haftar – grey-haired, former asset of the CIA” leading a “Rus- hefty and thought to be 64 – supported comments praising Haftar mirrored a state- that Haftar is leading an operation to take sian-backed” Libyan National Army, without Muammar Gaddafi in his 1969 coup that ment issued by Egypt’s presidency on Sisi’s Tripoli, but they prefer not to go into details. explaining how it reached the conclusion overthrew the monarch, King Idris. His meeting with the Libyan. The fact is the operation is part of Haftar’s Haftar is no longer a CIA asset. CIA, Mossad behind Sudan reward was command of Libya’s abortive It is likely that Saudi Arabia, Egypt and fight for power, which he seeks to portray Moreover, the Associared Press reffered invasion of Chad in the 1980s, a chaotic war the UAE, and another partner of Haftar who as a battle against “terrorism”. to Haftar as a “Field Marshal”, a self- pro- coup: U.S. analyst in which Haftar was captured and then dis- is accused of smuggling arms to him, see the The two-week offensive on Tripoli, which claimed title the former Libyan general likes owned by Gaddafi. commander as a means of beating down the has been stopped on the city’s southern sub- very much. TEHRAN (Tasnim) — An American political analyst blamed Embittered, he fled to America, settling in Muslim Brotherhood, which has a hostile urbs, has left at least 227 people dead, more Stronger Support for Haftar the U.S. and Israeli regimes for a recent military coup in Sudan Langley, Virginia, a stone’s throw from CIA relationship with the Wahhabi kingdoms than 1,125 injured and over 30,000 people Expected and said the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Mossad were headquarters. He has denied working with and the incumbent Egyptian government. displaced, according to the World Health The biased coverage of the Libya conflict most likely behind the recent removal of Omar al-Bashir. the CIA, but the agency certainly encour- Notably, Haftar enjoys the backing of Organization. by the western agencies is nothing new. aged the main Libyan dissident group, the Libya’s Wahhabi factions, who follow a In the absence of any sign of a political These outlets have generally turned a National Front for the Salvation of Libya, of harsh interpretation of Islam and have solution or a ceasefire, Haftar’s military blind eye on the disastrous consequences which Haftar was chief of the military wing.” implemented strict Wahhabi law in some campaign has raised fears of a full-scale of the West’s role in toppling the long-time The mysterious commander’s ongoing areas he has controlled. civil war in Libya. Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi. operation carried out by his self-styled Libyan MSM’s Flawed Narrative Renegade Commander? The West’s intervention, happened under National Army could have not been started As the U.S. uncovers its support for the The western outlets generally equalize the guise of peace-building efforts, turned a without the U.S. green light, as the general Libyan general, western agencies have ig- Haftar and Libyan Prime Minister Fayez once rich and stable country into a de-facto is funded and armed by its close partners nored the awkwardness of Trump’s move and al-Sarraj, portraying them as two rivals in failed state. in the region. have left the U.S. narrative unchallenged. the conflict. This case is highly similar to The Libyan commander is the right man Haftar visited Saudi Arabia on March Moreover, some of them have made their Venezuela, where the U.S.-backed opposition for the western powers to feed their oil ap- 27 to meet with King Salman and Crown narrative on Haftar more positive, perhaps leader Juan Guaidó is being displayed as a petites, so we should expect closer backing Prince Mohammad bin Salman, where he was to boost his legitimacy in the public eye. president rivalling President Nicolás Maduro. for Haftar by the western government and offered support for his plans to take Tripoli. In the first place, the western agencies Many outlets refuse to use negative ad- media. The Wall Street Journal has revealed that have failed to challenge Trump’s assertion jectives to describe Haftar, referring to him The Libyan commander’s is hell bent on Saudi Arabia is financing Haftar’s campaign. that Haftar is seeking peace in the country. simply as a “commander” or “general”. taking the whole country, and the strong “We were very generous with him,” the paper They failed to ask how a would-be auto- As an example, the London-based Reu- U.S. endorsement would inject fresh blood “I suspect the CIA and maybe Israel’s Mossad are behind al- quoted an anonymous Saudi official as saying. crat who has stood in the path of peace in ters called him a “Libyan commander” in into his army. Bashir’s removal - even though his forces are aiding the Saudis Moreover, the LNA commander had Libya and undermined the UN’s efforts to its report on the Trump-Haftar phone call. Perhaps the Libyan government is aware of in Yemen,” Chicago-based Stephen Lendman told Tasnim in travelled to Cairo to meet with Egyptian bring the country’s warring factions together This is while Reuters had described Haftar the West’s double dealing, and that describes an interview. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi one day before could “achieve peace and stability” in the as a “renegade commander” in a 2014 story the reason behind their Monday move to Stephen Lendman is a writer, syndicated columnist, activist, his conversation with Trump. The Middle war-stricken Arab country. reporting the U.S. State Department was cut security ties with France. News TV personality, and radio show host. He currently writes East Eye reports Sisi has a close relationship In their reports on the latest escalation not condoning Haftar. Unfortunately, peace is unlikely to return for MoneyNewsNow.com and VeteransToday.com and hosts, with Trump, and the language of Trump’s in Libya, the western outlets simply point Another proof for the gullibility of the to Libya any time soon. since 2007, a progressive radio show at The Progressive Radio News Hour on The Progressive Radio Network. The following is the full text of the interview: Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir was recently removed by a military coup after months of anti-government protests IME suitable platform of economic prosperity against his three-decade rule. A military council led by Lieuten- ant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is now in power and says 4 Under the conditions that the country is dealing tries, the arrears of the Iranians banks to CBI, the value with the toughest sanctions ever and unpredictable foreign added taxes levied mostly on producers, the unstable it will oversee a transitional period that will last a maximum of exchange rate fluctuations and these factors are directly foreign exchange rates, the increased prices of the raw two years. What do you think about the latest developments in influencing the prices of basic goods and raw materials, materials, the decrease in purchasing power and the the African country? How do you predict the future of the devel- unofficial markets, on which the government has no ob- increase in production prices are considered as threat- opments? Would the military council hand over the power to a servation, exacerbate the difficulties. ening factors to the goal. democratic government? Producers can easily supply their required raw material For the newly started Iranian calendar year the government A: Many post-WW II coups had dirty U.S. hands on them. I at IME at real prices. Participating in IME would spur is determined to review and modify its monetary policies suspect the CIA and maybe Israel’s Mossad are behind al-Bashir’s competitiveness among producers to improve quality of about setting foreign exchange rates, curb the rampant removal - even though his forces are aiding the Saudis in Yemen. their products, as previously mentioned. inflation and high liquidity volume and supply the present By its very nature, military rule is repressive. Just societies On the consumer side, the offered products at IME budget deficit via relying on stock market. want a clear separation between military and political authorities, come with reasonable prices.IME is trying to issue new Offering crude oil and gas condensates at Iran Energy the former serving the latter. financial instruments to support domestic production, Exchange (IRENEX) is being done on a regular basis now Al-Bashier has been in power for about 30 years. The U.S. supply raw materials, and cover price fluctuation risks. and it is hoped that the international ring of IRENEX wants him tried in the International Criminal Court because he In fact, the road to make production prosper is bumpy. would find a way to give a breath to the oil sales and hasn’t surrendered Sudanese sovereignty to Washington. The IME, as the other pillar of Iran’s stock market, can play Trump regime wants a subservient puppet replacing him. Supplying liquidity of production units, the present banking revenues of Iran, following Trump’s removal of Iran oil a key role in rescuing the country from Trump’s draconian restrictions in monetary transactions with other coun- waiver exemptions. What’s going on in Sudan should be for the Sudanese to de- sanctions. cide, not a hostile foreign country like the U.S., meddling in the affairs of most other nations. The coup virtually assures democratic governance will not come to power when the Sudanese military relinquishes it - likely Roberto de la Madrid: West expects Guaidó to serve its corporations’ interests to retain it for an extended period. According to media reports, there have been some med- TEHRAN (FNA) — Roberto de la Ma- people really support Maduro and what dlesome measures by Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Sudan. drid, an award-wining journalist and percentage Guiadó. It should be remem- However, Sudanese protesters have declared their strong political commentator, says the support bered that in the last elections for the opposition to the two countries. What do you think about the of the West for the Venezuelan oppo- National Assembly, people supported the future of relations between Sudan and the two Arab countries sition leader “has nothing to do with opposition and the right-wing won over and do you think that the next Sudanese government would democracy”; but serving the commer- the Chavistas. Afterwards, Maduro called be an ally of the two? cial, military, political and geopolitical for general elections where the majority A: I heard something about the Saudis and UAE meddling interests of the Western corporations. of the opposition parties did not partici- in Sudan. What’s going on in virtually all conflict theaters Speaking in an exclusive interview pate. The Chavistas won. Therefore, the was orchestrated in Washington, likely together with the with FNA, Roberto de la Madrid related percentage of real support to each side UK, other NATO countries, Israel and other regional ones Washington’s intervention in Venezue- remains unknown. Meanwhile, the US like the Saudis and UAE in the Middle East, Central Asia la’s affairs to the US historical regime sanctions have suffocated Venezuela’s and North Africa. change policy which allows it to control economy; we cannot deny that there The Sudanese want foreign hands off their country. The U.S. the natural resources of other countries are people who are unhappy because wants the country transformed into a vassal state, it aims the through their puppet regimes. the average salary of a professional same for all other nations - notably Russia, China, Venezuela Roberto de la Madrd is a Mexican who works with a lot of energy is $6 a and Iran, along with control over their oil and other resources. journalist with extensive career in in- month, which means he has to work for Most Arab countries go along with the U.S. agenda. Because of ternational media. He has won several a whole month to be able to buy only 2 its sovereign independence, Syria is targeted for regime change, important journalism prizes, includ- kilograms of meat and nothing more. Yemen was targeted because the U.S. wants a puppet regime in ing Mexican National Communication Why does the US see itself entitled Does the West expect Guaidó (2003). Do you think “Venezuela (2019)” charge of it controls, not the independent Houthis. Prize (2011), National Journalism Prize to declare an unknown unelected person to lead Venezuela toward democracy, is on the same list? As you know, Sudan is part of Saudi Arabia’s disastrous awarded by the Journalists Club and as the President of Venezuela, as it has or to collapse a country that has been A: In a way, it explains the behavior military campaign against Yemen. Given that a huge number of UNAM National Service Award. done with Guaidó? resisting US hegemony for the past and the voracity of the United States for the Saudi-led coalition forces fighting in Yemen are Sundanese, Below is the full text of the interview: A: There is no law, neither in local two decades? seizing or controlling the points that what do you think about the effect of developments in Sudan on

Why is Guaidó more supported legislation nor in International Laws A: What the United States expects it believes are vital for its commercial, the protracted war on Yemen? outside Venezuela than inside? which allows the United States or any Guaidó is to lead Venezuela to the point military and political spirit. Indeed, A: What’s going on in Sudan will have no effect on the U.S. A: Guaidó is well known both at home other countries to recognize or impose where the interests of the big corpo- the coups it has supported, organized, war in Yemen, begun by the Bush/Cheney regime in October and abroad. He probably has more a president who has proclaimed him- rations that govern the West are met. orchestrated and committed through- 2001 - shortly after its naked aggression on Afghanistan. support abroad because the Venezue- self on the streets of another country. What the international coalition that out history, are part of a strategy to use The key issue is this. The U.S. under Republicans and lan right-wing is supported by the US The most logical thing and the most supports Guaidó expects has nothing democracy or internal politics as a per- undemocratic Dems want dominion over planet earth, its government and, therefore, by many lawful way to do it is to have the United to do with democracy, but with the fect makeup to control the masses and resources and populations - by whatever it takes to achieve Western commercial media, and many Nations Security Council to evaluate acceptance of certain values and rules in some way satisfy this guideline: it its objectives. governments that are aligned with Wash- the situation. In this case, the UNSC and the alignment with the commercial, is necessary for the Stars and Stripes Naked aggression, color revolutions, and old-fashioned coups ington. The media plays a crucial role can declare an intervention and call for military, political and geopolitical in- to be waved on the flagpole of this or like what’s being attempted in Venezuela are its favored strategies. in presenting news in such a way that elections to restore democracy. How- terests established by the big Western that country. By imposing a government U.S. rage for dominance is humanity’s greatest threat. I greatly Guaidó is portrayed as the savior and ever, this has not taken place; so, any corporations. and controlling it, they can control the fear the unthinkable nuclear war against Russia and/or China Maduro as the bad guy. However, a very coalition of nations would be illegal as The footprint of the US can be natural resources or geographical ports eventually. Together they’re the last powerful frontier against accurate study should be done within they have no approval of the UNSC or seen in many major crises in oil-rich that empower their production and their Washington’s hegemonic aims. If things turn out this way, we’re Venezuela to see what percentage of the the International Law. countries such as Iran (1953) and Iraq transit around the world. all doomed. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 14 WORLD SPORTS APRIL 27, 2019 Match-fixing not doping poses greatest Man City fighting ‘like animals’ for Premier League, says Fernandinho risk to sport Two of the men that put the doping crisis in Federation’s (ITF) Futures tournaments. Fernandinho says Manchester City’s desire to fight “like animals” the global spotlight say the integrity of sport Sportradar reported in 2015 it had iden- is fuelling their Premier League title charge as they strive to hold now faces a greater threat from match-fixing tified as many as 60 fixed matches in the off Liverpool. than drug cheats. Canadian Soccer League (CSL), a small league Pep Guardiola’s City returned to the top of the table with vic- Richard McLaren, who authored a 2016 operating mostly in Southern Ontario with tory against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday. report into state-sponsored Russian dop- few supporters that was for years the target The 2-0 win, from their game in hand, took City a point above ing and David Howman, a former director of Asian match fixers. Liverpool with three matches remaining for both sides. general of the World Anti-Doping Agency In the most recent Sportradar report, Cun- It was their 11th successive league win and followed a similarly (WADA), painted an alarming picture about ningham said the CSL had largely cleaned important victory over Tottenham, which came after the disappoint- match-fixing at the Symposium on Match up its act and Asian bookmakers had lost ment of Champions League elimination at the hands of the same Manipulation and Gambling in Sport in To- interest. opponents. “We showed the desire in competing for every ball like ronto on Wednesday and Thursday. No global agency animals,” said City midfielder Fernandinho after the United match. McLaren, a Canadian law professor and McLaren pointed to an ITF-commissioned “I think this is the spirit of a team that wants to be champions. “It CEO of McLaren Global Sport Solutions, told report that found only 600 of the nearly 14,000 was not just Wednesday -- in general every game, especially last Reuters that doping and match-fixing com- players competing in ITF competitions made Saturday, after the ‘defeat’ against Tottenham, in the way we played bined were the two biggest issues affecting enough money to cover their costs, providing from the first minute (City won the second leg of the Champions the integrity of sport. an impoverished pool of athletes for fixers League quarter-final 4-3 but went out on away goals) Yet manipulating outcomes was a bigger to target. “If you look back to January, they (Liverpool) could have been problem, he said. There is no global agency in place to fight 10 points clear after our game. We didn’t want that. “What makes sport different than enter- corruption in sport in the way WADA was “We reduced the gap to four points and now we are one point tainment is unpredictability. Fixing results set up to combat doping and nor, according up. That is the way the Premier League is going to be decided removes the greatest and most important to Howman, is there ever likely to be such and I hope we can do our job and win those three games, and be characteristic, that unpredictability,” he force behind sports corruption, according that needed to be countered by world sport, an organisation. champions again.” added. to Howman, and the globalisation of sports because the bad guys involved in pushing Instead the fight is being left to often The derby, settled with second-half goals from Bernardo Silva “If it loses unpredictability because of fixed betting has allowed crime syndicates extend dope and steroids are the same bad guys ill-equipped individual sporting bodies, and Leroy Sane, was regarded as the toughest hurdle left facing results the passion for sport is diminished their reach and match manipulation expertise. involved in match manipulation.” governments and law enforcement agencies. the defending champions in their run-in. and that is a much bigger issue.” “I have done a lot of work in the general Andy Cunningham, director of integrity “Everyone is resisting another WADA,” Yet with the lead just a slender one, Fernandinho is aware there Match-fixing has become increasingly sport integrity area and I can quote you what services for Sportradar, a company that mon- said Howman. “They don’t want to have an is still little room for error. Liverpool, who face already relegated pervasive in recent years across a number I am told by people who work in that more itors betting patterns and offers intelligence independent body taking control over their Huddersfield on Friday, will likely be back at the summit before of sports. general business, including enforcement to over 100 sports governing bodies, said fiefdoms and they don’t want to see another City play their next game at Burnley on Sunday. More tennis players, for example, were agents, and they all say the biggest threat exact figures for how much is bet on sport fall like a Russian fall and that would be likely (Source: Goal) disciplined for violations of anti-corruption to sport integrity is organised crime,” How- are at best a “guesstimate”. if you had a world anti-corruption unit or rules in 2018 than in any other year in the man, a New Zealand-based barrister who Interpol, however, set the figure at $500 whatever you wanted to call it. last 10. was director general at WADA from 2003 billion a year. “What I think will occur is step-by-step. A number of cases in other sports have to 2016 and now serves as the chair of the Operating in every corner of the globe, Tennis is confronting it now, cricket has also brought renewed attention to the issue. Athletics Integrity Unit, told Reuters. match-fixers work to manipulate the outcome confronted it. There are sports where there Solskjaer confident that Crime syndicates “We saw it coming at WADA and I raised of everything from World Cup matches to is already entrenched match-fixing. Pogba will stay at Man Utd Organised crime has been the driving it during my term there as a significant issue the lower rungs of the International Tennis (Source: Reuters)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is confident that Paul Pogba will still be at Manchester United next season but admits he cannot guarantee Sterling honored with award for fighting ‘We’re all grateful to him’: Nadal the French World Cup winner will stay. racism salutes retiring Ferrer in Barcelona Pogba fuelled speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid last month, suggesting Real were “a dream club for any player”, although he declared at the time he was happy at Old Trafford. Both manager Solskjaer and United’s board want their £89 million ($115 million) club-record signing to stay, although they have acknowledged that circumstances could change. “You can’t guarantee anything in football but yes I think Paul is going to be here,” Solskjaer told reporters on Friday. “I can assure you that he is very determined to be successful at United.” Pogba scored eight goals and provided five assists in his first 10 games following Solskjaer’s appointment but his performances have tailed off since, and it was a surprise to many observers that the French midfielder was named in the Professional Footballers’ Association’s team of the year on Thursday. Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane this week described Pogba as a “big problem” for the club, suggesting that he was not committed enough to the team. But Solskjaer said Pogba can cope with the scrutiny. “That’s just the standards he sets, because when he’s creating chances, scoring goals, doing loads of work... that’s just media, Manchester City’s England forward Raheem Steven Gerrard encouraged him to try to Rafael Nadal showed no mercy towards an in the French Open final. supporters, everyone looks to Paul. ‘Could you have done better?’ Sterling has been awarded The Integrity develop into a role model. emotional David Ferrer as he eased into the “I gave everything I had,” added Ferrer. “He’s done fantastic for us, he’s a human being as well and and Impact Award at this year’s BT Sport “Coming from Liverpool I had people quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open on “I’m very happy, it’s a dream come true to we’re all the same, we want him to do well. Industry Awards for speaking out on a range around me like Steven Gerrard that I looked Thursday, describing his compatriot who play one of my last matches on this court.” (Source: AFP) of social issues, including racism. up to and I’m looking at him and thinking is winding down his career as a “pleasure Nadal will be gunning for his 12th suc- Sterling was recognized for his fight ‘what can I do within myself to be half the to watch”. cess at Roland Garros next month and this against racism in the sport and for using person and player he was’,” he added. Ferrer is set to retire after the Madrid was more like the sort of form expected his platform to call for more action to be “You take little things and each year you Open next month and made a tearful exit of the world number two, who had won Sala’s father dies three taken. He had said this month that more try and develop them and become better on what was his 15th and final appearance 30 consecutive sets in Barcelona before players needed to speak out when they suf- not just on the field but off it as well.” at this tournament. falling one behind to Leonardo Mayer on months after son fered racism to eradicate it from the game. Dow Jones Sports Intelligence, the But there was no room for sentiment Wednesday. “I was just speaking about my personal founder of the award, congratulated Sterling for Nadal, who won 6-3, 6-3 to take one “I had to majorly improve,” Nadal added. experiences, I didn’t expect it to get so much for the impact his actions had in addressing step closer to a record 12th Barcelona title. “I need to step up, play with more energy attention, I just wanted to bring it to the racism and other “social issues of diversity Four of those triumphs came after and a different attitude.” attention of my audience on Instagram,” and inclusivity”. beating Ferrer in the final and, at the end Nadal will now face Germany’s Jan-Len- Sterling said as he received the award from “He has given new confidence and a of this latest victory, Nadal’s 37-year- nard Struff, who knocked out fifth seed Ste- his England coach Gareth Southgate. voice to other footballers and athletes to old opponent saluted the crowd before fanos Tsitsipas, before a potential semi-final “It’s been really pleasing to see people speak out when once they may not have placing his pink headband down on the meeting with Dominic Thiem, whom he listening and trying and do better. Partly done so,” Dow Jones head of sport Simon service line. beat in the French Open final last year. what happens when you try to do good Greenberg said in a statement issued on “David is not retiring because of his Fourth seed Kei Nishikori is also through things is you set examples for the next Thursday. “He has sparked the sports media level but it has been a complicated year and after beating Felix Auger-Aliassime in generation coming through.” and the industry more widely to consider a half for him with injuries,” Nadal said. straight sets. The 24-year-old also signed a manifesto conscious or sub-conscious racial bias in “His level this year has still been very Nadal broke Ferrer for 4-2 in the open- earlier this week where he said clubs should their actions.” high and for all these years he’s been fighting ing set and was serving for it at 5-3 when be handed automatic nine-point deductions England manager Southgate received hard and giving us pleasure watching him. rain delayed the match for almost an hour. and ordered to play three games behind the Leadership in Sport Award on behalf We are all grateful to him.” But the stoppage could not change the The father of Premier League footballer Emiliano Sala, who was closed doors if their supporters indulged of the FA for building a new atmosphere in Ferrer reached a career-high ranking momentum, with Nadal quickly wrapping up killed in a plane crash earlier this year, has died three months in racist behavior. the dressing room which helped his team of number three in the world in 2013, the the frame upon his return before breaking after his son’s death. Sterling, who began his career at Liver- reach the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. same year he went closest to winning a again early in the second. Horacio Sala, 58, suffered a heart attack on Friday, his friend pool, said the example of his former captain (Source: Mirror) Grand Slam too, undone by Nadal again (Source: AFP) and president of his local club confirmed. Daniel Ribero, from San Martin de Progreso, told C5N TV channel that Mr Sala had passed away before doctors arrived at his home in Progreso. Emiliano Sala’s plane crashed en route to Cardiff after leaving Neymar headlines returning cast as PSG target French Cup from France. The Argentine footballer was on his way to joining Paris Saint-Germain’s pursuit of a fifth successive French Cup But Gianluigi Buffon expects Rennes, who enjoyed their his new club Cardiff City from French club Nantes in a club record title will be bolstered by the return of Neymar and Edinson best ever run on the continent this year by reaching the £15m deal when the crash happened over the English Channel. Cavani from long-term injuries for Saturday’s showdown Europa League last 16, to present a tricky test. Progreso mayor Julio Müller led the tributes to Mr Sala, telling with Rennes at the Stade de France. PSG beat Rennes 3-1 at Roazhon Park and won 4-1 at La Red radio station: “Horacio could not overcome Emi, we thought Brazil star Neymar made his first appearance since Jan- the Parc des Princes, but Rennes will look for the ultimate that after the discovery he would be able to close that circle.” uary 23 as a second-half substitute in Sunday’s 3-1 win over revenge as they chase a first French Cup in 48 years. The Piper Malibu N264DB plane carrying Sala and pilot David Monaco as PSG celebrated clinching a sixth Ligue 1 crown “The fact that it’s a one-off match, a final, brings the two Ibbotson went missing over waters near the Channel Islands on in seven years. sides closer together, the gap isn’t as wide as it can be over 21 January and it took rescuers two weeks to find the wreckage. Cavani also returned to action, coming on for the final 17 38 matches,” Buffon told PSG TV. The football star’s body was recovered on 8 February after a minutes, as PSG’s famed front three -- which has accounted “In the league our chances might have been 80-20, in private rescue team took over the search for the missing plane. for 78 goals this season -- were reunited after months apart. the final it’s more like 60-40 or 65-35, because it’s a final The father-of-three, a long-distance lorry driver, spoke to the Coach Thomas Tuchel admitted he “worried” for PSG’s where anything can happen.” BBC two weeks ago and pleaded “that justice be done” for his son. prospects after they blew a third chance to wrap up the Rennes won the trophy in 1965 and 1971, but the Brit- He told the BBC Wales Investigates programme he wanted league at Nantes last week, but the German struck a more tany club have painful memories of their past two finals to “continue investigating all the things that we have to know positive note after watching his team belatedly seal the title. -- finishing as runners-up to neighbours Guingamp in both and that we can know.” “Our objective is clear: to win the double. We have to 2009 and 2014. “That is all I can ask,” added Mr Sala, who had split-up from win on Saturday,” said Tuchel, who is also set to welcome “We have a bit more experience now than we did during his son’s mother Mercedes. back Angel Di Maria after six weeks out. what our goal for the season is, and that’s to win a maximum our first games in Europe but it’s still a totally different Air accident investigators are still looking into why the Piper “The French Cup is very important to us, and we hope number of titles for the club,” said the Brazilian. game,” said Rennes captain Benjamin Andre. Malibu plane carrying Sala to Cardiff for his first training session to clinch it and leave nothing for the others,” added goal- Anything less than a domestic double for PSG, attempt- “Lifting the trophy at the Stade de France would be great. crashed. The light aircraft was piloted by Mr Ibbotson, from keeper Alphonse Areola, his thoughts echoed by defender ing to lift the French Cup for a record 13th time, would cast We know the expectations at Rennes. We’ll obviously give Crowle, North Lincolnshire, whose body has not been found. Marquinhos. further gloom over the Qatari-backed club after their latest it our all like we do in each match.” (Source: BBC) “A title is always about honour and pride. We all know European failure. (Source: Guardian) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y APRIL 27, 2019 SPORTS 15

Iran’s Shahrdari Varamin crowned Pouya Idani wins GuoTai Cup Open Chess Tournament

SPORTS TEHRAN — Iran’s Pouya Idani (2590) won Asian Club Volleyball champion desk the 2nd GuoTai Cup Open Chess Tournament SPORTS TEHRAN — Shahrdari Varamin from in Qinhuangdao, China on Thursday. deskIran claimed the title of the 2019 Asian He won the tournament with 7.5/9. Chinese Wang Hao Men’s Club Volleyball Championship after edging past 2726) and Wu Wenjin (2345) came second and third with Japan’s Panasonic Panthers in the final match. 6.5 and 6 points respectively. The Iranian team came back from two set deficits to beat Panthers (25–20, 25–16, 22–25, 20–25, 14–16) at the University of Taipei (Tianmu) Gymnasium on Friday. “We are very happy of winning the match because we had lost to Panthers in the early stage. We hope we can be a good representative for Iran in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship,” Shahrdari Varamin coach Rahman Mohammadirad said. The 2019 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship, an annual international volleyball club tournament, or- ganized by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) with Chinese Taipei Volleyball Association (CTVA). The tournament was held in Taipei, Chinese Taipei, from 18 to 26 April 2019. Shahrdari Varamin will represent Iran at the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship. Since the championship’s inception in 1999 in Hefei, China, Iran has made it to the final round for 15 editions. Their first debut final showdown dated back to 2000 in Idani, who was awarded the title of Grandmaster (GM) by Suphanburi, Thailand, when they picked up silver medal FIDE in 2014, won cash prize of USD $18,000. after going down to Korea’s Samsung Fire. Then 2nd Guotai Cup Belt and Road International Open is a Among these 15 editions where teams from Iran had 9-round Swiss tournament which took place in Qinhuangdao, made it to the final round, they captured 14 Asian Men’s China from April 16 to 25. Club Championship titles altogether – Paykan Tehran The players had 90 minutes for all their moves with a (7 titles), Sarmayeh Bank Tehran (2), Sanam Tehran (1), 30-second increment per move from move 1. Kalleh Mazandaran (1), Matin Varamin (1), Khatam Ar- dakan (1) and Shahrdari Varamin (1). Iran’s Heydarinejhad takes Mousavi snatches silver at Asian Miri seizes silver at Asian Weightlifting silver at Asian Snooker Tour Weightlifting Championships Championships Ehsan Heydarinejhad from Iran claimed a silver medal at the inaugural Asian Snooker Tour on Thursday. Heydarinejhad lost to Indian player Pankaj Advani 6-4 at the final match. Advani, a 21-time world snooker and billiards champion, beat Heydarinejhad 52-40, 66(58)-0, 1-63(62), 78-4, 35-47, 0-51, 47-35, 38-39, 53(49)-35, 51(50)-20 in the final. The competition was held in Bengaluru, India. “Ehsan is a worthy opponent who is one of the most im- proved players on the circuit. I’m happy to have changed the result in this match when it mattered most,” Advani said. (Source: Firstpost)

Jamshidian claims bronze at Asian Cycling C’ships

TASNIM — Amirhossein Jamshidian from Iran claimed a bronze medal in the 40-km men’s under-23 individual time TEHRAN — Ayoub the snatch and 220kg in the clean and TEHRAN — Ali Miri Miri was the overall runner-up with SPORTS SPORTS trial of the Asian Cycling Championships on Wednesday. deskMousavi claimed Iran’s jerk for a total of 401kg. deskof Iran claimed a silver 366kg having finished third in the snatch Yevgeniy Fedorov from Kazakhstan won the gold medal. second silver at the Asian Weightlifting Cham- The bronze medal went to South Ko- medal at the Asian Weightlifting Champi- with 161kg and second in the clean and The silver medal went to TU Chih Hao from Taiwan. pionships underway in Ningbo in China. rea’s Han Jung-hoon with 366kg after onships in Ningbo in China on Wednesday. jerk with 205kg. The 39th Asian Road Cycling Championships started on Mousavi, who finished third in the snatch posting 160kg in the snatch and 206kg In the men’s 89kg category, South The bronze medal went to Japan’s Tuesday in Uzbekistan. with 166kg and second in the clean and in the clean and jerk. Korea’s Yu Dong-ju claimed the overall Toshiki Yamamoto with 358kg, com- More than 500 athletes from 40 Asian countries and regions jerk with 207kg, claimed the silver with a Ali Miri of Iran had claimed a silver crown with 367kg. prising 203kg in the snatch – enough are taking part in the most prestigious cycling competition total of 373kg in the 96kg weight category. medal in the men’s 89kg category on He posted 160kg in the snatch and an for the bronze medal – and 155kg in the of the continent. China’s Tian Tao managed 181kg in Wednesday. unrivalled 207kg in the clean and jerk. clean and jerk. The Asian Cycling Championships (ACC) is an annual continental cycling championships for road bicycle racing and track cycling since 1963, exclusively for Asian cyclists selected by the national governing body (member nations Iran and Vietnam deadlocked, Korea Republic cruise past Lebanon of the Asian Cycling Confederation). Group hosts Vietnam were held to a 1-1 draw by Islamic KOREA REPUBLIC 9-0 LEBANON Republic of Iran, while Korea Republic put nine goals Korea Republic made a striking early statement in their past Lebanon on the opening day of Group B action bid to return to the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship, in Round 2 of the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship beating Lebanon 9-0 in their opening fixture. Gol Gohar, Shahin Bushehr Thailand 2019 Qualifiers. Striker Kang Ji-woo helped herself to a personal win promotion to Iran VIETNAM 1-1 ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN haul of four goals, while five other players also found An equalizer from captain Zahra Khodabakhshi gave the back of the net as the Koreans put themselves in a Professional League Islamic Republic of Iran a share of the spoils, and a fighting strong position to take one of the two qualifying spots chance of reaching the finals after a 1-1 draw with Vietnam. on offer in Group B. Khodabakhshi’s 54th-minute strike was just reward for Lebanon had reached this stage after impressing on Persian League – Gol Gohar Sirjan and Shahin Bushehr an Iranian side who surged home in the second half, after home soil in the first round of qualifying last October, but won promotion to the Iran Professional League (IPL) in the Ngan Thi Van Su had given Vietnam the early advantage. they found Hur Jung-jae’s well-drilled side too much to penultimate game of the First Division. Two years after Vietnam’s senior women’s national handle, as Kang opened the scoring on 10 minutes, before Gol Gohar defeated Shahrdari Mahshahr 1-0 thanks to team had beaten Iran 6-1 on the same ground, Team Choo Hyo-joo doubled the lead four minutes later. Peyman Ranjbari’s injurytime goal in Kerman. Melli’s new generation showed their improvement, Further goals to Jung Min-young, Kim Eun-soul and Gol Gohar advanced to IPL and Shahrdari Mahshahr were coming close to claiming all three points on a number a second for Kang had Lebanon staring down a five-goal relegated to Iran’s Second Division. of occasions in the dying stages. deficit at half-time, before Kang completed her hat-trick Furthermore, Shahin Bushehr edged past Sorkhpooshan Pakdasht 1-0 and sealed promotion to IPL. Earlier, there was little indication of the struggle that etnamese defence to beat Tran Thi Ngoc Anh and squeeze eight minutes after the break to bring up the half-dozen. Mohammad Mohebbi scored the only goal of the match lay ahead for Vietnam, with Van Su opening the scoring home the equaliser just before the hour mark, then saw Kim Soo-jin ensured the goals kept flowing in the 64th in the 59th minute. in the 14th minute to punish Iranian goalkeeper Mah- her towering header go agonisingly wide of the goal with minute, before Kang netted her fourth 15 minutes later, diyeh Mahmoudinia, who had spilled a teasing cross the goalkeeper stranded in the 78th minute. with the ninth and final addition to the scoresheet coming from Tran Thi Thu Xuan. Vietnam’s task become more difficult when Tran Thi Hai five minutes from time through Jeong Yu-jin. The hosts took their lead to half-time, but Team Melli Linh was given her marching orders for a second bookable Korea can potentially seal their place in the Finals with Claim Nottingham Forest - coached by Katayoun Khosrowyar, who had been among offence with 10 minutes remaining, and Iran spurned a another win over Islamic Republic of Iran on Sunday, Iranian staff during the 6-1 defeat of 2017 - produced an glorious late chance when substitute Negin Zandi rounded while Lebanon must act urgently to salvage their campaign forward is considering leaving exemplary second half to claim a point. Ngoc Anh, only for a desperate clearance from Pham Thi against group hosts Vietnam. The impressive Khodabakhshi stole in behind the Vi- Lan Anh to save the hosts from opening night defeat. (Source: the-afc) the City Ground

Greek website Sdna.Gr claim Nottingham Forest’s Iranian forward Karim Ansarifard is considering leaving the club Nottingham Forest fans will love Karim Ansarifard’s latest comment after win after less than a season. Nottingham Forest ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against in the Forest starting XI heading towards the conclusion The Iran international joined Forest on a free transfer last Middlesbrough on Monday, with the Reds dominating the of this year’s campaign though, with Forest not having November but he’s failed to replicate the form he showed game from start to finish. anything to play for now. in Greece. A brace from Joe Lolley and a late goal from Alexander This was only his second league start of the season, Sdna report despite the managerial change at Nottingham Milosevic proved to be enough for Martin O’Neill’s side in a disappointing spell with the Reds since arriving in Forest his situation hasn’t improved at the City Ground and on the day. the summer of 2018 after being released from Greek the Championship side are also looking to part ways with The Forest boss made a number of changes to his start- side, Olympiacos. the player. ing XI as he keeps his squad fresh in a busy period of the Nottingham Forest are next in action against QPR at the The Greek website claims despite his good memories in season, and one player that came into the squad was Karim weekend, in a game where they’ll be hoping to come out Greece, Ansarifard is not looking for a return to the country Ansarifard who started the game up-front ahead of Lewis with three points against a QPR side that have struggled as he wants to continue his career in a different league next Grabban and Daryl Murphy. towards the back end of this season. season. The 29 year old spent four seasons in the Greek top Ansarifard took to Instagram following the win and praised The Verdict: fight before his move to England. the Nottingham Forest supporters for their contribution It has been a season to forget for Ansarifard. Ansarifard only managed to make 10 Championship ap- in helping the team over the line on the day. He’s only made 11 appearances in total for the Reds, pearances with Nottingham Forest this season and scored Ansarifard put in a solid display against Boro, but was and he’ll be keen to put this disappointing spell behind one goal. unable to get his name on the scoresheet and was substi- him at the earliest of opportunities. The former Olympiacos striker is under contract with the English club until June 2020 but his future looks uncertain. tuted after shortly after the hour mark for Lewis Grabban. He’ll be keen to keep the pressure on Lewis Grabban for where they’ll be hoping to be challenging for a top six finish. (Source: Sdna.gr ) He’ll be hoping that he can be given a consistent run a starting spot in the Nottingham Forest team next season, (Source: Footballleagueworld) ADVERTISEMENTS

I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y Prayer Times Noon:13:02 Evening: 20:06 Dawn: 4:44 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:16 (tomorrow) APRIL 27, 2019 APRIL 25, 2019 ART&CULTURE I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y ADVERTISEMENT 16 www.tehrantimes.com Managing Director: Ali Asgari Editor-in-Chief: Mohammad Ghaderi “A Russian Youth” Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051450 Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 crowned best at Fajr filmfest Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 www.eshterak.ir Distributor: Padideh Novin Co. ARTTEHRAN — “A Russian Youth”, Russian Tel: 88911433 deskdirector Alexander Zolotukhin’s World Webmaster: [email protected] War I drama won the award for best film at the 37th Fajr Printed at: Hamshahri No. 3 - ISSN: 1017-94 International Film Festival on Thursday as the director of the festival scorned Donald Trump’s sanctions on Iran. Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimesdaily The movie, which received the Critics’ Circle Award at the festival earlier on Wednesday, is about a young Russian No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran soldier who has lost his sight during a German gas attack P.o. Box: 14155-4843 in World War I. But due to his strong sense of hearing, he Zip Code: 1599814713 is kept at the front to listen for enemy planes at the giant metal pipes that form a kind of early-warning system. “Our team made this movie with love,” Zolotukhin said and added that he is happy that his film received an award from an Iranian festival. Ayrat Yamilov who has worked as a cinematographer in the film received the award on behalf of Zolotukhin during a ceremony held at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall. This film also received the award for best directorial movie. GUIDE TO The closing ceremony of Fajr, which is Iran’s major SPIRITUAL AWAKENING international event in film industry, began with a speech by the festival’s director, Reza Mirkarimi, who denounced Beware of making friends with a fool for he the U.S. government’s sanctions against Iran. Atai Mohsen / “This year we were confronted with unjust unilateral tries to attract you by his behavior and make sanctions, which not only have targeted our economy but FARS you like himself. also our culture,” he lamented. Imam Ali (AS) “However, despite all the problems and due to the elevated Sorush Sehat (L) from Iran speaks after accepting the award for best director for his film “Dance position of Iranian cinema, we managed to organize a with Me” during the 37th Fajr International Film Festival at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall on April 25, 2019. magnificent festival with our friends from across the world who didn’t abandon us,” he added. The film tells the story of residents in Wackersdorf, a The story of the film is set in a small village in the WHAT’S IN ART GALLERIES The award for best director remained at home as Iranian municipality in the district of Schwandorf in Bavaria, who northern France, where an attack alert leads to confusion. filmmaker Sorush Sehat won the award for his latest film are concerned over plans to build a nuclear reprocessing In Eastern Vista, the festival’s Asian films competition, Mosaic painting “Dance with Me”. plant in their small, but financially strapped community. “Without My Friend” by Mohammad-Ali Talebi from Iran In his brief speech, Sehat asked people to show tolerance Martina Apostolova was picked as best actress for her was named best film. Negar Gallery is playing host to towards their opponents. “If this would occur in the world, portrayal of a part-time waitress in a small Bulgarian town “Rona, Azim’s Mother”, a co-production between an exhibition of mosaic paintings that is, if we befriend each other and understand our in “Irina” directed by Nadejda Koseva. Afghanistan and Iran by Jamshid Mahmudi, received by Afsaneh Tavusi, Sara Valipur, opponents, we will feel fine and the world will become “Before the Frost” by Danish director Michael Noer an honorable mention. The film also was crowned best Maryam Baqeri, Mahbubeh good and then the world will begin to dance with us like won its star, Jesper Christensen, the award for best actor. film in the interreligious film section. Sabur, Ahmad Shadkami and now as the world is dancing with me.” The jury honored Chinese director Jingxiang Li with The jury in this section also honored Huo Meng from several other artists. The award for best screenwriter went to Oliver Haffner their special award for her “Spring Sparrow”. China for his movie “Crossing the Border”, while “Victim” by The exhibition titled “Van Gogh” will and Gernot Krää for “Wackersdorf” directed by Haffner The award for best short film was presented to “Excess Iranian director Mehdi Mohammadnejadian was selected run until May 1 at the gallery located from Germany. Will Save Us” by Swedish filmmaker Morgane Dziurla-Petit. as best short film in this category. at 33 Delaram Alley, Roshanai St. in the Qeitarieh neighborhood.

Painting Chinese illustrator Xiong Liang eager to work with Iranian writers An exhibition of paintings by 1 Liang’s works have been awarded in shortlisted for the Hans Christian Andersen As a special guest, China is participating Ava Salehi is underway at White several national and international events. Award for illustration. in the book fair with the motto of “Getting Line Gallery. His book “The Little Stone Lion” received “I want to tell my people’s stories and to Know China”. The exhibit named “Abstraction the China Times Best Children’s Book of the introduce Chinese culture to children through Almost 200 Chinese cultural figures and and Tank” will run until May Year Award in 2005. In addition, he also painting. Children are more impressionable officials, as well as over 100 publishers, writers, 6 at the gallery located at 22 won China’s Most Beautiful Book of the Year and can understand messages more easily, translators and illustrators from the country, Parvin Alley, off Jame Jam St. Award for “Lotus Back” in 2008. and when they grow up, they can pass it on are taking part in the book fair, which will off Vali-e Asr Ave. In 2018, he became the first Chinese to the next generation,” he concluded. run until May 4. Chinese illustrator Xiong Liang in an undated photo. Paintings by Azim Morakkabatchi are currently on view in an Iranian artist exhibition at Negah Gallery. The exhibit titled “Autopsia” will Ali Buzari selected be running until May 8 at the gallery located at 64 Ghaffari for BIB jury St., Jam St., Motahhari Ave. ARTTEHRAN — Iran’s Institute desk A collection of paintings by for Intellectual Development of Heros Bandari is on display in an Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA) announced exhibition at Elaheh Gallery. on Friday that illustrator Ali Buzari has been The exhibition will be running selected for the jury of the Biennial of Illustrations until May 6 at the gallery that Bratislava (BIB) 2019. can be found at 47 Golfam St., off Afriqa Ave.

Mina Sabzi is displaying her latest paintings in an exhibition at Seyhun Gallery. The exhibition will run until May 8 at the gallery located at No. 11, 4th St., Vozara Ave.

Homa Gallery is showcasing paintings by Kasra Golrang in an exhibition named “Plants”. The exhibit runs until May 7 at the gallery, which can be found Iranian illustrator Ali Buzari. at 8, Forth Alley, Sanai St., Karim Khan Ave. Buzari, who is also an art researcher, was on the jury during the 2017 BIB. He has previously given speeches Elham Shafaei is showcasing her at the Bratislava symposiums in 2013 and 2015. latest paintings in an exhibition at Buzari’s fellow artist, Mohammad-Hossein Matak is Saye Gallery. also scheduled to hold a workshop during the biennial, The exhibit titled “We Are Lost” which will be held in the capital of Slovakia from will run until May 1 at the gallery October 25 to January 6, 2020. located at No. 21, 13th Alley, Sanai In addition, Iranian scholar Hossein Sheikhrezai St. off Karim Khan Ave. will deliver a speech about the school of original illustration in the digital world. Paintings by Mohammad The Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava is supported Nurian are currently on display by the International Board on Books for Young People in an exhibition at Farmanfarma (IBBY), the Slovak Ministry of Culture and UNESCO. Gallery. The exhibit titled “The Song of the Night in the Golden Garden” runs “My Second Year in until May 10 at the gallery located at 2nd Araabi St., North Kheradmand St. in the Karim Khan College” star Soha Niasati neighborhood. named best actress at Bahman Puya, Zahra Tabrizi, Shima Hesami, Maral Soltani Moscow festival and four other artists are ARTTEHRAN — Soha Niasati, the displaying their latest paintings deskstar of Iranian director Rasul in an exhibition at Shalman Sadr-Ameli’s drama “My Second Year in College”, Gallery. was crowned best actress for her role in the film at The exhibit name “Shine of the the 41st Moscow International Film Festival, the Confessions” will run until May 1 at the gallery located at 27 organizers announced on Thursday. Kavusi Alley, West Rudbar St., off Mirdamad Blvd. The film is about two close friends who go on an excursion to Isfahan. When one of them falls into A collection of paintings by a coma, the other one finds that any confrontation Goli Omidvar is on display in an turns out to be a new challenge. exhibition at Golestan Gallery. Tommi Korpela won the award for best actor for his The exhibition will run until May role in “Void” by Finnish director Aleksi Salmenperä. 1 at the gallery that can be found “The Secret of a Leader” by Farhat Sharipov from at 42 Kamasai St. in the Darus Kazakhstan was named best film, while Valerio neighborhood. Mastandrea from Italy won the award for best director for his film “Ride”.